Hyderabad: A day after a 27-year-old software employee, Gandla Ramu, was found dead in a pool at a farmhouse in Choutuppal, police suspect he may have died of drowning. His father had, however, named six persons in the complaint, alleging murder by his colleagues.
Preliminary Findings
Choutuppal DSP Madhusudhan Reddy told TOI that no external or internal injuries, including ligature marks, were found on the body. While the detailed postmortem report and diatom test report are awaited, doctors informed officials that the preliminary cause of death seems to be drowning.
Drug Tests Negative
Police also subjected all 19 persons who attended the party to narcotics screening to rule out the possibility of drug use. “All the tests came back negative. No one had consumed drugs,” the DSP said. However, investigators confirmed that all 20 persons, including the deceased, had consumed alcohol during the gathering.
Incident Details
Ramu, an employee of a private company in Uppal, had gone to a farmhouse in Choutuppal along with around 19 colleagues and their team leader for a weekend outing. Police said he allegedly had an argument with a colleague during the party and was later found in the swimming pool at around 1 am. His colleagues allegedly pulled him out and attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.
Lack of CCTV Footage
Investigators said the farmhouse, which was constructed only about two months ago, had one CCTV camera installed, but it was not functional, leaving police without any video footage of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Police said the farmhouse is owned by a man from Shamshabad, who is also being questioned as part of the investigation. Authorities said they will also write to the excise department and other concerned agencies for necessary action as per rules.
Police maintained that the case continues to be registered for murder, and that the investigation continues.
