Murder or Suicide Pact? Bengaluru Physiotherapist Found Dead, Her Boyfriend Unconscious at Chikkaballapur Homestay

A 26-year-old physiotherapist was found dead under mysterious circumstances at a private homestay near Muddenahalli in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district, while her boyfriend was discovered unconscious in the same room. Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, exploring multiple angles including murder, suicide, and poisoning.

Incident Discovery and Initial Response

The deceased has been identified as Sai Surabhi, a resident of Bengaluru. Her boyfriend, Mohammed Sanjeet Ali, a native of Kerala, was rushed to a local hospital where he remains unconscious and is undergoing emergency treatment. Bengaluru Man Invites Girlfriend for Dinner Then Stabs Her to Death Over Marriage Dispute.

Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Kushal Chowksi visited the scene on Saturday to oversee the initial probe. Authorities noted that the couple had checked into the homestay three days prior to the discovery. "There were no visible external injuries or blood-related injuries on the woman's body. A rope, a large number of tablets, and signs of vomiting were found inside the room. A pillow has also been seized. All possibilities remain open -- murder, suicide by hanging, or poisoning," the SP told reporters.

Background of Relationship and Family Opposition

According to investigators, Surabhi and Ali were in a relationship that faced strong opposition from the woman's family. Surabhi had previously informed her family of her intention to marry Ali, but the proposal was rejected. A missing person complaint had been filed after the couple initially left home together. However, Surabhi later appeared before the police, stating that she was an adult with the legal right to choose her partner, and subsequently began living with Ali.

Surabhi's family informed officials that she had recently travelled to Chikkaballapur for voluntary service at the SAI campus. Investigators are currently verifying the exact timeline and sequence of events that led the couple to the homestay. "We are verifying this with SAI authorities, though her family has confirmed she had come for voluntary service. We believe the man came to know of her presence, booked the homestay and she came there to meet him. The sequence of events is still being verified," Chowksi said.

Prior Legal History and Family Allegations

Surabhi's family has levelled severe allegations against Ali, claiming that he introduced her to narcotic substances, which led to alcohol and drug dependency. They also accused him of physical assault. Police emphasised that these allegations are strictly under investigation and no definitive conclusions have been drawn. Police sources noted that the couple had previously been booked under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act by the Kumaraswamy Layout Police following a party they attended where drugs were allegedly recovered. Reflecting on Ali's background, Chowksi stated, "This is not a criminal antecedents case. The man is believed to be unemployed." JP Nagar Murder: Disturbing Video Shows Brutal Daylight Attack on Rowdy-Sheeter in Bengaluru.

Forensic Investigation and Next Steps

The recovery of medicinal tablets, a rope, and evidence of vomiting inside the room has made poisoning a primary point of focus for the medical examiners. "Since there are no visible external injuries, we cannot say whether she was murdered, poisoned, or died by suicide. The injured man is also undergoing treatment. There is a possibility of poisoning," the SP said. The case has been formally registered at the Nandi Police Station. Forensic experts have gathered environmental evidence from the homestay, and Surabhi’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination. Police sources indicated that Ali's statement will be critical to the breakthrough of the case once he regains consciousness.

"We are probing whether the man murdered the woman and then attempted suicide, or whether the couple entered into a suicide pact. All angles are being investigated," police sources said. Authorities emphasised that the final direction of the case will be strictly guided by forensic and medical data. "Only when the injured man is able to speak, or after we receive the post-mortem report, will we be able to confirm how the woman died," Chowksi concluded.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).