Wife of Pankaja Munde’s PA Dies by Suicide; Husband Booked for Abetment

Mumbai has been shaken by the death of Dr. Gauri Palve, the wife of Anant Garje, who works as the personal assistant to Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde. The 28-year-old dentist was found hanging at the couple’s Worli residence on Saturday. She was rushed to the hospital but declared dead shortly after.

Following a complaint from Gauri’s family, the Worli Police registered an FIR against Garje under IPC sections related to abetment of suicide and cruelty. Her family has alleged that she faced constant harassment, including emotional and physical abuse, and had recently confronted her husband over an alleged extramarital affair. Police have also named Garje’s brother and sister in the case.

The incident has quickly taken a political turn due to Garje’s proximity to the minister. In a brief statement, Pankaja Munde said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss and assured that she supports a fair and impartial investigation.

Police are currently examining call records, chat history, and statements from both families as part of the probe. The sudden death of a young doctor and the allegations of domestic torture have sparked conversations around abuse, power equations, and the pressures faced by women even within seemingly well-placed families.

The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.