Tunisha Sharma's co-star Sheezan Khan broke down in tears during a police investigation following his arrest, officials say.
As reported by India Today, on December 24, the 20-year-old actress allegedly passed away by suicide on the set of her TV show, Ali Baba: Dastaan-E-Kabul.
The outlet stated that Sharma went to the bathroom during a break but when she didn't return, the on-set staff went to check on her and found her lifeless body. She was then rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Following her tragic death, the actress' ex-boyfriend and on-screen partner was arrested for abetment of suicide. He has been in police custody for a few days now and became visibly emotional during an interrogation.
According to Indian Express, Sharma’s mother, Vanita Sharma, filed a complaint against her Ali Baba co-star for allegedly cheating on her daughter.
In a media statement obtained by the outlet, Vanita said: "First, he had a relationship with her saying that he will marry her and later broke up with her."
"He was already involved with another woman and yet got into a relationship with Tunisha, and used her for three to four months. He should be punished for that," she added.
Following the complaint, Khan was arrested and sent to four-day police custody by Vasai court on December 25. However, his legal advisor insisted that authorities have not found any evidence and said that the actor's arrest is solely based on allegations.
After his arrest, India Today revealed that the actor apparently shed tears after a female officer started questioning him on why he broke up with the beloved star.
The former celebrity couple reportedly broke up 15 days before the late actress died. In further developments, her uncle also disclosed that Sharma was hospitalized after suffering an anxiety attack 10 days before her passing, per the outlet.
Sharma started her career as a child actor. She played the role of young Katrina Kaif in Fitoor, Baar Baar Dekho and even played treasured roles in Internet Wala Love and Hero Gayab Mode On.
On Sunday, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urged the Maharashtra government to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into her death.
As cited by Hindustan Times, AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said: "We demand the government form an SIT in Tunisha Sharma’s suicide case and the investigation be done properly."
"Today, I went to the set where Tunisha Sharma died by suicide. I found people were scared. Something wrong must have happened," Gupta continued. "Women are not safe on the set (of the television show that Tunisha was shooting for)."
"The set is at a very interior location where people are afraid to commute. The government should pay attention to this matter and have the death probed by an SIT. Many things will come out after the probe," they added.
Sharma’s last rites will be performed on December 27 in Mumbai’s Mira Road area.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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