NEW DELHI: An undertrial prisoner, facing charges of dowry harassment and abetment of suicide of his wife, hanged himself to death at Tihar prison complex, police said today.
Vinod Kumar (33), reportedly a Lance Naik in the army, committed suicide by hanging himself in the toilet block of Mulahiza ward of jail number 3 yesterday morning, a senior prison official said.
Vinod hanged himself exactly one month after his wife committed suicide. In a suicide note, he wrote about a "reunion" with his wife after death, added police officer.
Vinod was sent to Tihar two days after his wife committed suicide on February 16. A case under section 498 A (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty)and 306 (Abetment of suicide) was registered against him, he said.
Police said he was a native of Rajouri in Jammu and served in the army for over a decade. He was in relationship with a woman for several years and had married her against their families' wish 10 months ago.
After the suicide of his wife, a case of dowry harassment and abetment of her suicide was registered against him at Cantt police station, said a senior police officer.
During his one month stay in jail, he had not shown any emotional disturbance and mixed well with fellow inmates, said the prison official.
He was found missing after morning prayer and after a search during breakfast time, his body was found hanging at the toilet block of Mulahiza ward where counseling is given to the prisoners, he said.