Woman found dead at Langar Houz lodge, police begin probe

A 26-year-old woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a lodge in Hyderabad's Langar Houz. While the man accompanying her claimed she died by suicide, her family alleged murder. Police have launched an investigation and are awaiting forensic and post-mortem findings

Hyderabad: A 26-year-old woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a lodge in Hyderabad’s Langar Houz on Friday, prompting police to launch a detailed investigation into whether it was a case of suicide or murder.

The victim, identified as Renuka, a native of Alwal, had checked into a room at a lodge in the MD Lines area along with Farooq (34), a resident of the Golconda area, on Thursday. According to police, the two were acquaintances who had known each other for some time after meeting at a pub where Renuka worked as a dancer.

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Langar Houz Inspector B Venkat Ramulu said Renuka had been married for about eight years but was living separately from her husband due to marital discord. The couple has a son. She had shifted to Kukatpally, where she was staying with her friend, Sathya, while working as a pub dancer.

Police said Renuka and Farooq had previously visited the same lodge on a few occasions. On Thursday, they checked into the room in the morning and remained there throughout the day. Around 10 pm, Farooq reportedly left the lodge to attend a function after arranging food for Renuka through the hotel staff.

During his absence, Renuka allegedly received a phone call from Farooq’s friend, Sohail. Investigators suspect an argument broke out during the conversation, with Sohail allegedly abusing and insulting her. Police believe the incident left her deeply distressed.

According to the investigation, Renuka later made a video call to her friend Sathya, whose birthday it was, and allegedly ended her life by hanging herself from the ceiling fan around 12.40 am on Friday.

The incident came to light when lodge staff approached the room to check if the occupant required anything further. They alerted the police, who rushed to the spot, conducted a scene examination, and shifted the body for postmortem.

Farooq initially informed police that he had returned to the room to find Renuka hanging. However, her family has strongly disputed the suicide claim, alleging that she was murdered and expressing suspicion over Farooq’s involvement.

Police have registered a case, taken Farooq and another person into custody for questioning, and are examining all aspects of the case.

The CCTV footage from the lodge has, so far, not revealed evidence of homicide, but the final conclusion will depend on the postmortem report, forensic evidence, and the ongoing investigation, officials said.