Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Apr 2: The suicide of Nelyady-based entrepreneur Sudeep has sparked a series of allegations and counter-allegations, with his wife Soumya Shetty strongly denying any involvement in his death and filing a complaint against his family members and Venu Shetty.
Addressing a press conference at the Udupi Press Club on Thursday, April 2, Soumya asserted, “I am not responsible for Sudeep’s suicide.” She stated that she would reveal the truth behind the allegations made against her, particularly those levelled by Venu Shetty.
Following Sudeep’s death, his parents had alleged that Soumya was responsible for the extreme step. His father, Damodar, had publicly accused her, while another individual, Venu Shetty, who claimed to be Soumya’s former acquaintance, also levelled several allegations. Furthermore, Sudeep’s mother, Pushpalatha Shetty, had accused Soumya of creating a ruckus in Nelyady and held her accountable for her son’s death.
Clarifying her stance, Soumya denied creating any disturbance in Nelyady and refuted allegations that she had poisoned Sudeep. She claimed that Sudeep may have taken the extreme step due to harassment from his own family members. “I have filed a complaint at the Karkala police station against Sudeep’s family members and Venu Shetty for making baseless allegations against me,” she said.
Explaining her visit to Nelyady, Soumya stated that she went there after being unable to contact Sudeep as his mobile phone was switched off. She admitted to raising her voice but claimed it was out of distress. “Sudeep’s mother used abusive language against me and told him to leave me. As a wife, I was hurt and raised my voice, but I did not create a ruckus. CCTV footage can be verified if needed,” she added.
Soumya further revealed that Sudeep had visited her house to discuss marriage, but issues arose after he returned to his parental home. She alleged that Sudeep had informed her about problems at his house and mentioned that his family was not supportive of their relationship. While noting that Sudeep had financial liabilities for the past 8–9 years, she stated his mental stress increased after returning to his family home. “I suspect that something happened at his house which led him to take this extreme step. His family members may have instigated him,” she claimed.
Responding to allegations made by Venu Shetty, Soumya stated that while both were theatre artists, she had no close association with him. “He had approached me earlier with a proposal, but I refused after learning about his character. I was told he had relationships with multiple women. He used to visit our house, but we later asked him to stop. He even had arguments with my brother,” she said.
Soumya further alleged that Venu Shetty played a role in creating misunderstandings within Sudeep’s family. “Sudeep himself had told me that Venu was influencing his family. Venu had also called Sudeep’s father multiple times,” she alleged.
Soumya reiterated that she has submitted all details in her complaint to the Karkala police and urged the authorities to conduct a fair investigation into the case.