This is not a small matter, and it was a horrific incident that demonstrates a profound and catastrophic manifestation of superstition when a 29-year-old woman ended her life in Bagalagunte police limits near North Bengaluru. The deceased, whose name is Vidyajyothi, had been driven to the brink by the ominous and terrifying fear of a prophecy that she would live only so long, according to the authorities.
The tragedy arose at her home in MEI Layout. Vidyajyothi, a hardworking professional at a private company, had worked from home. Her family says she was a lively young woman on the cusp of beginning new stages of her life. She had been dating a young man from Kodagu, and both families had consented to her marriage before her choice (in a tender, family-friendly gesture).
The Prophet of Doom
A visit to the astrologer turned a celebratory atmosphere somber. He says the astrologer classified Vidyajyothi as “Alpayushi” in a way that in astrology is called to describe a person doomed for a very short life. In order to ‘ward off’ this perceived threat, the astrologer had recommended a rigorous nine-day ritual.
The family was commanded to conduct special prayers, which ended on day nine with an offering of a Mangalsutra (sacred wedding thread) to Goddess Maramma. The family had been in preparation for this last ritual, hoping for the spiritual protection the astrologer believed was sought. It was a silent tragedy behind the cover of her job. Vidyajyothi had wrapped up her lunch and went to her room at work on the day of the incident. Because she was busy working from home in other aspects of her life, it was assumed that her family members didn't want to be a bother.
Near nightfall, her mother cried out to her, but she ignored her. By 8 PM, as the family was about to head to the temple and finish the last day of the rituals, his mother again called for Vidyajyothi. But panic set in as the door stayed locked from inside despite a series of knocking on the door. By the window, the family found the horrifying sight of Vidyajyothi hanging by hanging and the horrible sight of it was revealed to them.
Police Investigation and Its Aftermath
Police were promptly alerted and the Bagalagunte police were called for an inspection in the vicinity. Although no suicide note was initially recovered, the preliminary investigation suggests that the “short life” prediction had been the main motive for her extreme psychological pressures. “The entire family had a very strong sense of love for her and even consented to her love marriage.
It is so terrible that such a bright young lady went with a plan based on fear and superstition just prior to entering this very blissful marriage,” added one neighbor. The body was taken to Victoria Hospital for examination on post mortem. The police have signed up a case and are investigating the fact whether the astrologer's specific instructions and warnings amounted to giving her abetment or even psychological torture. The incident, already attracting quite a bit of attention, sparked once again a debate in the city over the dangers of blind faith and what kind of support people with anxiety brought on by superstitious beliefs need.
