Captive woman survives suicide attempt

MID-DAY (OCT 2001)

By Skimmy Gupta

Captive woman survives suicide attempt By: Skimmy Gupta October 17, 2001 A 24-year-old woman attempted suicide yesterday by jumping out of a sixth floor flat, but landed on the balcony grill of the flat below.

Pooja Oberoi decided to end her life to free herself from Sanjay Bhatti (36), who she claims held her captive for six years after having lured her with false promises of marriage. But after having jumped out of the sixth floor flat at Building D 1/2, Yamuna Nagar, Oshiwara, that Sanjay had acquired on rent, she landed on the balcony of the flat belonging to film writer Rumi Jaffry.

After she was rescued, Pooja said, " I was being harassed for years. He kept promising to marry me but never did. He has ruined my life."Soon after, Bhatti attempted to flee but was nabbed by residents who beat him up.

A resident, K Merchant, said, " We realised only today that they had an illegal affair. After hearing her screams we rushed out and saw this man trying to escape. So we caught hold of him and informed the police."

Residents said Bhatti had rented the flat five months ago, saying he was a bachelor, who worked in the film industry. None of the residents were aware of the girl's presence in the flat. Sanjay came and went at odd hours. He had reportedly placed two guards to ensure that Oberoi couldn't escape.

" Pooja was never seen in the building compound or premises," a resident said.
Salim, who lives in an adjoining building said, " Pooja was three years my senior at Bans School, Nashik. She was studying BCom at Mithibai College, Juhu. Seeing her today in this condition was a shock."

Sub-Inspector Mukhtar Sheikh of Oshiwara police station said, " The girl is under the influence of sleeping pills. She has consumed over 10 pills. She claims this is the first time she has been in open air since Sanjay made her hostage six years ago." A case has been registered against Bhatti who is in police custody. He was taken to Cooper Hospital after being beaten up by irate residents.
Assistant Police Inspector Sudhir Dalvi, Oshiwara Police Station, said, " We are sending the girl to her mother's place in Khar which she left six years ago. We cannot keep her in the police station at night because we have no women constables."

The doctor on duty at Cooper Hospital said, "During her medical check up, Pooja said she was beaten by Sanjay and that he forced her to take sedatives which resulted in memory loss. She did not remember the day and time when she jumped from the flat. There are minor injuries on her body and serious bruises on her hands and arms."