A tragic incident unfolded at a private bank in Noida, where a bank executive reportedly took her own life shortly after receiving a termination email in July. According to media reports on July 17, the victim’s suicide note revealed that she was driven to this extreme by persistent mental and physical harassment from her colleagues.
The victim mentioned in her suicide note that she faced derogatory remarks such as “divorcee” and “bandariya” from six colleagues, including two managers. The victim, who had joined the bank as a relationship officer last October, tragically ended her life by allegedly consuming poison in her Sector 128, Noida room last Friday. Her five-page suicide note detailed how she had endured six months of harsh treatment that led to mental and physical anguish.
Shivani recounted in her note that her colleagues not only used offensive language against her but also subjected her to physical attacks. Distressed by their behavior, she sought psychiatric help at Vimhans. She specifically pointed out a female colleague as the primary instigator, describing frequent arguments and name-calling like “bandariya” (monkey) and “dimag se pagal” (mad). The note also described instances where colleagues mocked her trembling hands, likely due to stress.
The suicide note highlighted two specific incidents: On June 29, colleagues reacted abusively when she asked them to clean up after lunch near her workstation, and on July 9, a confrontation escalated to physical violence. Despite reporting the incidents, the victim felt unsupported by her seniors, who sided with her colleague and took action against her instead.
The victim chose not to inform her family to spare them worry. In her final page, she entrusted her brother with taking care of their family and urged him to seek justice against her tormentors. She also left her bank details, including PINs, in the note.
The victim’s brother Gaurav has filed a complaint against her colleagues. Axis Bank expressed condolences to the family and stated that they have engaged a private agency whose employees are currently working from their office. The bank assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigation by authorities.
“We have submitted the note to handwriting experts for verification of its authenticity. Statements from her colleagues will also be recorded,” said Nandgram ACP Ravi Kumar Singh to TOI.