Ex-HR manager found hanging in Pahal flat, police claim ‘suicide’

Bhubaneswar: A 32-year-old former HR manager, B K Manisha, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her rented room in Pahal on the city’s outskirts on Tuesday. Police confirmed that she died by suicide, citing personal reasons, and ruled out foul play.“We are trying to ascertain what may have triggered her decision. We had to break open two doors, both locked from inside, to enter her room. No suspicious circumstances were found,” said Pahala inspector-in-charge Aswini Kumar Jena.Police officers have seized her phone and laptop for forensic examination. Her family, who live in Bhadrak district, have not alleged any foul play or abetment.Police revealed that Manisha worked as an HR manager at a city hotel before resigning about seven months ago.Officers said she was in a relationship with a contractor who frequently stayed at her residence. “We are examining whether her death is linked to the relationship. The man is being questioned,” said another officer.The contractor told police that he left her house on Monday afternoon. Later that night, when repeated calls to her phone went unanswered, he rushed back. Finding the house locked from inside and receiving no response to the doorbell, he alerted police.Friends of Manisha have urged police to conduct a thorough probe.“She was mentally strong and never appeared stressed. We are unaware of any relationship issues. She was cheerful, financially stable, and had no family problems,” said her friend Sonia Sahu.