Tollywood comedian Vijay Sai alleged harassment by wife in video before ending life

HYDERABAD: Tollywood’s budding comedian Vijay Sai, who shot into fame with his role in the blockbuster movie Bommarillu, committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his residence in Yousufguda, Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad on Monday. Minutes before ending his life, Vijay is learnt to have recorded a selfie video detailing his thoughts.

The 38-year-old has said that harassment at the hands of his wife Vanitha Reddy, an actor in Telugu TV serials and one Shashidhar, had driven him to take the step. 

Based on the video footage found in his mobile, the Jubilee Hills police registered a case under section 306 (abetment to commit suicide) against his wife and others. West Zone DCP A Venkateswar Rao said Vijay Sai and Vanitha were going through a troubled married life. They were married for the last five years had a daughter. For the last three years, however, the couple had disputes on certain issues and Vanitha along with the daughter had been living separately. 

“Vanitha filed a petition seeking divorce that is still pending. Recently, she also lodged a complaint of domestic violence against Sai,” the DCP said. Vijay’s father Subba Rao said that petty issues led to trouble between the couple. He alleged that Vijay was depressed due to harassment by his wife. “We tried to settle their problems but Vanitha did not pay heed. She also filed several cases deliberately against Vijay,’’ Subba Rao said. 

Vanitha, meanwhile, said that she was estranged from Vijay after she found that he was having an affair. She has been staying at her parents’ residence along with her daughter for several months.

The actor had lodged a complaint with Jubilee Hills police two days ago allegedly after unknown persons came to his flat and threatened him with dire consequences. They forcibly took away his car and other valuables. It was found that the car was registered in the name of Vanitha.