Love affair: final-year medical student found dead

A final-year medical student was found dead under mysterious circumstances at her rented accommodation near Salem, triggering shock and raising serious suspicions, including the possibility of an honour killing.
The deceased has been identified as Varshini (22), daughter of Varadharajan, a resident of Bharathinagar in Veeravanallur of Tirunelveli district.
She was studying final year at a private homeopathic medical college near Salem and was staying with a friend in a privately owned apartment building at Nayakkanpatti, close to the college. According to police, Varshini’s roommate Akshaya had gone out of town and returned yesterday.
When she came back, she noticed that the room door was locked from outside. After opening it, she was shocked to find Varshini lying motionless on the bed. She immediately alerted the Irumpalai police.
Salem City Police Inspector Anilkumar Giri and Irumpalai Inspector Chinnathangam rushed to the spot and conducted a preliminary investigation.
Varshini’s body was later moved to the Salem Government Hospital mortuary.
During the inquiry, police learnt that Varshini was allegedly in a relationship with a 40-year-old Siddha doctor from Tirunelveli district.
Her father Varadharajan was reportedly opposed to the relationship and had scolded her on several occasions, leading to frequent arguments at home.
It is said that similar disputes took place when Varshini visited her hometown during the New Year holidays. Investigators said Varadharajan had stayed in his daughter’s rented room until the day before the incident and later left.
His whereabouts are currently unknown, and his mobile phone is reportedly switched off. Varshini did not return to her native place either, deepening the mystery.
Police noted that there were no visible injury marks on Varshini’s body, though one of her hands appeared bluish.
The fact that the room was locked from outside has raised strong suspicion. Police are examining whether the student died due to poisoning, suffocation, or any other cause.
The possibility of an honour killing is also being probed. Forensic experts inspected the room, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being analysed to check if anyone else entered the premises.
Police also stated that Varshini’s mother told investigators that her husband had called her and claimed he had assaulted their daughter.
Varshini’s body is undergoing post-mortem examination at the Salem Government Hospital today. Police said the exact cause of death will be known only after the autopsy report. Special police teams have been formed and sent to Tirunelveli district to trace Varadharajan. The incident has left the student’s family and relatives in deep grief, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her death.