A DAY after actor Tunisha Sharma, 20, allegedly died by suicide, police arrested her co-star, Sheezan Khan, on charges of abetment of suicide on Sunday.
Khan, 28, was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by Sharma’s mother, Vanita, who blamed him for the death. In the FIR, Vanita alleged that Sharma was earlier in a relationship with Khan and was upset for the past 15 days over their break-up.
Based on her complaint, police registered a case against Khan under IPC Section 306 (abetment of suicide) and arrested him. Khan was produced before a court in Vasai, which sent him to police custody for four days, said a police officer.
On Saturday, while shooting for a television serial, Ali Baba: Dastan-e-Kabul, in which she and Khan played the lead roles, Sharma had locked herself inside the washroom. When police reached the spot and broke open the door, she was found hanging. She was taken to hospital late Saturday night, where she was declared dead.
Police said no suicide note was recovered from the spot. Reports of a post-mortem conducted at JJ Hospital early Sunday showed no injury marks on Sharma’s body. Prime facie, it appears that she died due to asphyxiation, said a police officer.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said the investigation will also probe if it was a “case of love jihad”. “The case will be thoroughly probed and all aspects will be considered, including whether it is a case of love jihad or anything. The accused will not be spared. Tunisha’s family will get justice 100%,” he said.
Police sources said the statements of all those present on the set of the TV serial and Sharma’s personal staff would be recorded. The statements of over 12 people have been recorded so far.
Born in Chandigarh, Sharma started her career as a child actor in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. She also featured in Baar Baar Dekho and Fitoor (as the young Katrina Kaif).
Popularly known for his role as the young Akbar in TV serial Jodha Akbar, Khan appeared in many other shows like Silsila Pyaar Ka, Ek Thi Rani Ek Tha Raavan, Pavitra: Bharose Ka Safar. He has two older sisters who are also TV actors.
