Video of Final Moments Spurs Suicide Abetment Case

A young man's final moments, captured on video and implicating specific individuals, have finally triggered a police investigation into his death. Ashu Soni, 27, died by suicide on June 15, 2023, naming five people he claimed were responsible. His family alleges Soni was involved in drug running for a local syndicate and faced harassment when he tried to exit the trade.

For over two years, Soni's family pleaded with authorities to act on the crucial video evidence found on his mobile phone. However, police initially treated the case as a routine inquiry. Only after the family filed a contempt petition against the Ludhiana police commissioner and station house officer for failing to adhere to Supreme Court mandates did police register a formal FIR this week.

The family asserts that the accused, alleged drug smugglers, also used Soni's home as collateral for a loan they failed to repay. This led to Soni and his wife being forced into rented accommodation. Facing a court date on January 29, 2026, to explain their delay, Ludhiana police have now charged the five accused with abetment to suicide, while the investigating officer cited procedural delays.