Gay Man in India Commits Suicide After Reality TV Appearance

A 24-year-old man in India who recently came out as gay on reality TV in India reportedly attacked his partner and later committed suicide. According to New Delhi Television, Mahesh Soni was found hanging from the ceiling fan at his Malwani residence on Saturday.

His partner, Akhtar Hussain, told the police that two had argued the previous night. Soni reportedly slashed his partner's hand with a blade, pushed Hussain out of the house, and locked the door from inside. Hussain then called the police, who broke the door down and found Soni dead.

According to news reports, Soni's brother Suresh Soni has alleged that Mahesh was forced to commit suicide after being "brainwashed" into turning gay and living with Hussain. The brother claims Mahesh was a victim of domestic violence, telling New Delhi TV that Mahesh had called their mother and expressed a desire to return to their Ghatkopar residence and live with his parents.

Police are awaiting the coroner's report.