Lucknow: Cook Dies by Suicide After Theft Allegation, Family Alleges Harassment by Retired Judge

Lucknow: A cook employed at the residence of a retired judge died by suicide on Wednesday, allegedly due to harassment and threats following accusations of theft. The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Mahesh Nishad, was accused of stealing ₹6.5 lakh from the judge’s home.

According to a formal complaint filed by his wife, Kavita Nishad, at Hazratganj police station, Mahesh had been receiving threatening calls from the retired judge, Anoop Srivastava, and his wife after being released from police custody. She alleged that on April 1, the couple pressured him to pay ₹1.5 lakh.

Before taking his life, Mahesh recorded a video message and wrote a suicide note, both of which were sent to the judge’s wife. In the video, he claimed he was being harassed by his employer.

Police reports indicate that the alleged theft occurred two days after Holi at the judge’s residence. Mahesh was named the prime suspect, following which the judge reportedly took him and his wife to his house. While Kavita was later sent home, Mahesh remained in custody. When his family searched for him at the police station, they were unable to locate him. The following day, they found him at the judge’s residence in the servant quarters, allegedly showing signs of physical assault.

Kavita further alleged that the judge’s wife pressured her husband to pay ₹1.5 lakh as compensation for the theft. On Wednesday morning, Mahesh was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his room. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Following his death, police registered an FIR against retired judge Anoop Srivastava and his wife under Section 108 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "We are reviewing the video, suicide note, and phone records as part of the investigation," said Hazratganj SHO Vikram Singh.

ACP Hazratganj Vikas Jaiswal assured that a thorough probe would be conducted into the allegations.