Television actor Sanchita Ugale died by suicide in Mumbai on June 14. She was 26. Known for her work in shows such as Kumkum Bhagya, Saajan Ghar, Wagle’s World and Dilwali Dulha Le JayegiUgale’s death has shocked the television industry and sparked calls for a thorough investigation.
As the police probe continues, her family, friends and industry bodies have raised several questions about the circumstances leading up to her death.
What happened?
Ugale was found at her home in Nalasopara East on June 14, and her family rushed her to a nearby hospital after discovering her. Medical officials declared her brought dead. Police have registered an Accidental Death Report under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the investigation is under way as her family alleges that she had been facing mental harassment and pressure in the months before her death.
Following a complaint filed by her father, Machhindra Ugale, officials said they were looking into all possible circumstances surrounding the case. According to police officials, the incident took place at her residence in Nalasopara East and authorities are examining all possible angles.
Speaking to the media, Achole Police Station’s API Vinod Bagh said, “A case has been reported in the jurisdiction of Achole Police Station. Miss Sanchita Ugale died by suicide by hanging herself in her own home. The reason for the death will be determined in the investigation. Further action will be taken accordingly. Nothing has been found so far. However, her father says he has no complaints against anyone.”
Family alleges mental harassment
A day after her death, Sanchita’s brother, Akash Satish Ugalealleged that she had been facing mental harassment from people connected to the casting circuit.
Speaking to the media, he claimed he had come across an Instagram Reel that used Sanchita’s profile picture alongside references to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
“I spoke to some of her friends and found out that some casting people were harassing her. She was being mentally harassed. She was upset,” he alleged.
On June 16, Sanchita’s father also spoke publicly about her mental health struggles and alleged workplace pressure. In an emotional appeal, he said his daughter had been under significant stress and demanded a detailed investigation.
“The truth about what was causing my daughter so much pain must come out. Not just my daughter, all daughters in this country deserve justice,” he said.
Her maternal aunt echoed similar concerns, alleging that Sanchita had appeared distressed and worried for the last few months. She urged the police to investigate whether anyone had subjected the actor to mental harassment.
Friend alleges harassment by co-star
Actor Indraxi Kanjilal, a close friend of Sanchita, has alleged that the actor faced mental harassment from her Saajan Ghar co-star Ujjwal Sharma.
Speaking to TellyChakkar, Indraxi claimed that Sharma had borrowed money from Sanchita and later behaved rudely when she asked for it back. She further alleged that Sanchita had complained about the situation to the concerned authorities but felt no action was taken.
Indraxi also rejected claims that Sanchita had been struggling because of a past relationship, saying Sharma was not close enough to comment on her personal life.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Sharma has not publicly responded to them.
Industry reacts
The actor’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues and members of the television fraternity.
Actor Jessica, who worked with Sanchita, described her as a strong and positive person and said she found it difficult to believe that the actor would take such a step. She also called for better working conditions and support systems within the entertainment industry.
MTV Roadies 8 winner and actor Aanchal Khurana also reacted to the tragedy, speaking about the pressures, rejection and alleged exploitation that many performers face while trying to build a career in the industry.
Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has sought a high-level investigation into the case. In a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the organisation called for a transparent probe into the circumstances surrounding Ugale’s death.
Describing her death as a major loss to the entertainment industry, AICWA said the actor had been steadily building a successful career through her work in television and films.
What did Sanchita Ugale’s grandfather say?
Sanchita’s grandfather, Gopinath, remembered her as a talented and hardworking young actor who achieved success on her own.
Speaking to the media, he said she had no industry mentor or “godfather” supporting her journey and had earned recognition purely through determination and talent.
He added that the family was struggling to understand what she may have been going through mentally in the days leading up to her death.
Who was Sanchita Ugale?
Sanchita Ugale rose to prominence with her role as Diya Tandon in Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya. She later appeared as Ruchita Jaitley in Wagle’s World and starred opposite Sorab Bedi in Dangal TV’s Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi.
She was also part of Saajan Ghar and appeared in films and web projects, including Chhaava and Silence: The Night Owl Bar Shootout.
At just 26, Sanchita had carved out a space for herself in the television industry. While the exact circumstances behind her death remain unclear, her family’s allegations of mental harassment and workplace pressure have brought renewed attention to the challenges many young actors face behind the scenes.
Police have said the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects of the case are being examined.
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