Manipal: Murder or suicide? Hotel staff’s death shrouded in mystery

Team Udayavani, Dec 7, 2024, 8:45 AM IST

Manipal: The blood-soaked body of a hotel worker was found near the main road of Ananta Kalyan Nagar in Manipal on Friday morning.

The deceased, identified as Sridhar (38), a resident of Kasarakod, was employed at a hotel in Manipal.

Initial suspicions suggested that he may have been murdered by slashing his throat with a beer bottle. However, police investigations revealed that he appeared to have taken his own life by slitting his throat. Accordingly, a case of suicide has been registered, said Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K.

Sridhar, who was residing near Syndicate Circle with his colleagues, left early in the morning and reportedly ended his life near Ananta Kalyan Nagar main road by slitting his throat with a beer bottle.

Unanswered Questions

This case has raised several doubts due to its unusual nature. Reports state that Sridhar carried a bag in his hand, but it was empty. His slippers were scattered at the scene, and his throat was gruesomely slashed. There are suspicions that he might have consumed intoxicants before committing the act.

The post-mortem examination was conducted at KMC Hospital, Manipal.

Locals have expressed doubts over whether this was a case of murder or suicide and demanded a thorough investigation. District Police Superintendent Dr. K. Arun visited the spot and assured legal action based on post-mortem and forensic evidence. Manipal Station Inspector Devaraj T.V. and his team inspected the scene.

Murder or Suicide?

Initially, the police registered a case of murder, suspecting that Sridhar might have been killed by unidentified persons using a weapon. However, no evidence of a scuffle or struggle was found.

According to police sources, upon reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas, it was revealed that Sridhar had slit his throat using a beer bottle.

CCTV Evidence

Blood was found splattered across the road near the body, prompting initial speculation of murder. However, further investigation unveiled that it was a case of suicide. CCTV footage allegedly shows Sridhar walking from Syndicate Circle before committing the act. The footage, captured by a local shop’s camera, has not yet been made public due to ongoing investigations, sources added.

The police continue their probe into the incident. Further updates are awaited.