A businessman allegedly died by suicide at the residence of Kannada actor Krishi Thapanda in Bengaluru’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar.
According to police, the incident took place around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, when Krishi Thapanda was away in Yelahanka.
The deceased has been identified as Vaishak, who had reportedly been staying at the actor’s residence for the past week.
Police said no suicide note was recovered from the spot. The body was shifted to Victoria Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Investigators said Vaishak had been undergoing treatment for depression and was also dealing with personal and family problems. He had reportedly been living separately from his wife for nearly a month following frequent disputes.
Vaishak had earlier come under police scrutiny in a high-profile extortion and threat-letter case involving businessman and advocate Aravind Reddy.
In February, a threatening letter demanding Rs 6-7 crore and an apology was allegedly sent to Reddy through courier. During the investigation, HAL Police arrested Vaishak, alleging that he had sent the letter in connection with a dispute involving a woman. He was later released.
The Karnataka High Court had stayed further investigation against Vaishak on February 6. He had previously been taken into custody and questioned for five days by HAL Police.
Vaishak’s family members are expected to file a complaint regarding his death. Rajarajeshwari Nagar Police are likely to register a case and complete legal formalities before handing over the body to the family after the post-mortem.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to his death.
