Woman found dead at Nandi Hills homestay; male friend hospitalised

A 24-year-old woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a homestay near Nandi Hills in Chickballapur district on Monday, while her male friend was found unconscious and has been admitted to the hospital. The police are investigating whether the case is one of murder or suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Sai Surabhi, a Bengaluru resident. Her male friend, Sanjeeth Ali, from Kozhikode, Kerala, is undergoing treatment after a suspected attempt to end his life. Surabhi was working as a physiotherapist at a hospital.

According to the police, the couple checked into a homestay near Muddenahalli on Saturday. When they failed to check out on Monday and did not respond after the scheduled checkout time, the caretaker opened the room and found Surabhi dead. Sanjeeth Ali was also found unconscious inside the room.

The police have recovered some tablets from the room, raising suspicion that poison may have been consumed. A diary containing handwritten notes was also seized and is being examined as part of the investigation.

Allegations of murder

Meanwhile, family members of Surabhi have alleged that she was murdered by Sanjeeth Ali. Surabhi’s mother, Geetha, speaking to media persons, claimed that he had been harassing Surabhi despite the earlier police complaints against him and alleged that he had introduced her daughter to drugs and had tortured her. According to the mother, Surabhi had undergone treatment and had recovered.

Cause of death being probed

Kushal Chowksey, SP, Chickballapur, said the exact cause of Surabhi’s death is yet to be determined. “At first glance, the woman was found hanging, but the rope had been cut. We are investigating whether this is a case of murder or suicide. Sanjeeth Ali is unconscious, and more clarity will emerge once he regains consciousness and is questioned,” he said.

The probe is continuing from all angles, and the Nandi Giridhama police are awaiting forensic and postmortem reports before reaching any conclusions. They are also waiting for Sanjeeth Ali to recover before questioning him to ascertain the sequence of events.

(If you are in distress or having suicidal tendencies, please reach out to these helplines: TeleMANAS at 1-8008914416/ 14416, NIMHANS at 08026685948, 9480829670 or SAHAI at 080 25497777, +91-9886444075)