Puri, July 2: The mystery surrounding the death of 30-year-old Sumitra Mahapatra alias Mama, who drowned in the swimming pool of Hotel Naren Palace under the Sea Beach Police Station limits, has largely been resolved following the post-mortem examination.
Police on Wednesday said the post-mortem report confirmed that the woman died due to drowning, ruling out allegations of foul play. Sea Beach Police Station IIC Manas Ranjan Chakra said the medical report clearly states that the cause of death was drowning. He added that CCTV footage from the hotel also captured the victim drowning in the swimming pool.
The development comes days after the deceased's family lodged a complaint alleging that Mama had been murdered by the male and female friends accompanying her after they allegedly intoxicated her.
According to police, the incident took place on June 29, the day of Deva Snana Purnima, when Mama visited Hotel Naren Palace along with a male friend and another female companion. The trio had checked into a room before later entering the hotel's swimming pool for a swim. During the session, Mama reportedly drowned.
Police said the investigation is continuing, though the post-mortem findings and CCTV footage indicate that the death was caused by drowning.
