Navi Mumbai: A shocking incident unfolded in Navi Mumbai on Friday where a 50-year-old primary school teacher reportedly died by suicide by jumping off the Atal Setu. The deceased teacher, identified as Vaibhav Pingalay, from Kurud Village in Alibag, traveled in a four-wheeler and drove onto the bridge from the Chirner side. CCTV footage of the incident revealed that the teacher parked the vehicle alongside the bridge, stepped down, and immediately jumped to death.
His family told Ulwe Police that he was a victim of sextortion, according to Free Press Journal. The incident took place around 9 am on Friday. Police are unable to trace the deceased’s body as of now. Meanwhile, a case of accidental death has been filed by the police who have notified his family members. An inquiry is underway to ascertain why the man took such an extreme step.
A Senior Police Inspector Arjun Rajane said that Pingalay left home at 7.30 am after informing his family that he was going out. “He had left his phone at his residence and traveled to the Atal Setu bridge via Chirner. After driving for about 9 kilometers, he parked his car on the side of the bridge and immediately jumped off from it,” he told.
“This is the 1st case of suicide this year from Atal Setu bridge. The CCTV cameras captured the car being parked alongside the bridge but by the time someone could reach it, the teacher immediately jumped off,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (Port division) Vishal Nehul remarked.
