Dad should not touch my body: UP lawyer dies by suicide over childhood atrocities

A 25-year-old lawyer allegedly died by suicide after jumping off the fifth floor of a courthouse in Kanpur on Thursday, police said. The deceased, identified as Priyanshu Srivastava, reportedly left behind a detailed suicide note on WhatsApp in which he cited his father’s excessive strictness and traumatic childhood experiences as reasons for taking the extreme step. "My father should not even touch my body," he wrote in the note.

According to officials, Priyanshu posted a two-page note on his WhatsApp status shortly before the incident.

He was immediately rushed to Ursula Horsman Memorial Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The incident caused panic and chaos within the court premises, as hundreds of lawyers gathered at the site soon after Priyanshu’s fatal fall.

A police team reached the spot and cordoned off the area to manage the situation and begin preliminary inquiries.

In his suicide note, Priyanshu wrote that he felt constantly monitored and disrespected, saying, "May God not give anyone a father like mine," and added, "My father should not even touch my body."

In the note, Srivastava also described an episode from when he was six years old, claiming that he was stripped and forced out of his house by his father for drinking mango juice without permission.

He stated that such incidents contributed to persistent feelings of guilt, humiliation, and inferiority.

The note further highlighted ongoing struggles in his adult life, including difficulties in clearing law examinations despite completing his LLB in 2025, financial stress, and responsibilities arising from his father’s ill health.

He also expressed frustration about working under his father without having an independent professional identity.

He also mentioned being pressured into academic choices against his wishes, including being forced to opt for Computer studies over Physical Education during school, under threat of punishment.

Despite these allegations, he reportedly urged that no one should harass his mother after his death and stated that no one else should be blamed for his actions.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Satyajeet Gupta said that the suicide note and digital evidence are being closely examined.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal confirmed that the contents of the note include references to incidents from Srivastava’s childhood that allegedly left a lasting psychological impact on him.

Police have seized his mobile phone and are reviewing CCTV footage from the court complex as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the handwriting and authenticity of the note, along with other digital records, are under verification.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community in Uttar Pradesh, with members of the Bar Association and court officials arriving at the scene shortly after the incident.

Meanwhile, Srivastava’s father, who is also a lawyer, is reportedly in deep distress and has not been in a position to speak.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the incident and whether additional factors may have contributed to the young lawyer’s death.

- Ends

With PTI inputs