Bhubaneswar, Jul 15: A nurse was found hanging in her rented accommodation in the Damana area of Bhubaneswar, with police suspecting that prolonged mental harassment and alleged blackmail may have driven her to take the extreme step.

The deceased has been identified as Sasmita, a native of Balangir district. According to police, she had moved to Bhubaneswar for work and was living in a live-in relationship with Mahesh Nath.

Following the recovery of her body, police initially detained Mahesh Nath for questioning as part of the investigation. However, as the probe progressed, investigators reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting the involvement of Sasmita's former boyfriend, Paramananda, who is also from Balangir.

Police suspect that Paramananda allegedly began blackmailing and mentally harassing Sasmita after learning about her relationship with Mahesh in Bhubaneswar. Investigators believe the alleged harassment intensified in the days leading up to her death.

As part of the investigation, police are examining call recordings, messages, and other digital evidence retrieved from Sasmita's mobile phone to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Both Mahesh Nath and Paramananda have been detained for questioning. The Chandrasekharpur Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched a detailed investigation. Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.