After bail & personal turmoil, Bengaluru businessman ends life in actress’ flat

Bengaluru: A 45-year-old businessman, who was arrested earlier this year in a high-profile extortion and threat letter case, was found dead by suicide in an apartment near Hosakerehalli late Wednesday night.Vaishak Upadhyaya was found hanging in a flat at Elegant Terrace Apartments. The flat was rented by actress Krishi Thapanda, with whom he was friends. Vaishak, who ran an automobile shop near Veerabhadra Nagar signal on Outer Ring Road, had been staying there for the past week.Police said Vaishak, a resident of Girinagar, had access to one of the flat’s two keys and was staying there while the actress was away. In that period, he sent her messages indicating he was distressed over ongoing disputes and other personal issues.According to police, Vaishak had been living away from his family for several days following marital problems. He had been married to one Meghana for 15 years and the couple has a teenage son.Investigators said Vaishak sent Krishi messages stating he was tired of life and intended to end it. She tried to console him through calls and messages and urged him not to take any extreme step. In one of their last conversations, she suggested they visit Kukke Subrahmanya Temple together — a plan he agreed to.

However, when Krishi returned to the apartment, she found him hanging in the bedroom. She alerted the police control room around 11.30pm, following which Rajarajeshwarinagar police rushed to the spot and began an investigation.Back in Feb, Vaishak was arrested by HAL police in connection with a sensational threat letter case involving businessman and advocate Aravind Reddy. Police alleged that anonymous letters demanding an apology and Rs 6-7 crore were sent through a courier service, warning of serious consequences if the demands were not met.

Investigators later traced the letters to Vaishak, who was arrested and subsequently released on bail.Police said his marital disputes intensified after this incident. According to a complaint filed by Meghana, the couple had not spoken for nearly a month, and he had only enquired about their son through text messages.An unnatural death report has been registered.(If you are having suicidal thoughts or are in need of emotional support, call the suicide prevention helplines: Tele-MANAS Helpline: 14416 or 1800-891-4416; SAHAI Helpline: 080-25497777.)