Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Mar 31: The body of a young man, facing fraud charges, was discovered hanging in Wamadapadav, suspected to be a suicide. However, comments on social media have raised doubts about the possibility of murder.

The deceased, identified as Padmanabh Samantha, hailed from Timarada in Vamadapadav.

Preliminary police reports suggest suicide, but further clarification will be sought through a post-mortem examination.

Just days ago, fraud allegations had been leveled against him. A youth had lodged a complaint at the Punjalakatta police station, accusing Padmanabh of cheating him out of Rs 1.50 lacs with promises of securing a government job.

Despite being summoned for an inquiry, Padmanabh failed to appear at the police station for three consecutive days, reportedly ignoring all attempts at communication.

His body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on a hill near his residence.

Padmanabh Samantha was known to have served as the vice president of the District Congress Backward Classes Committee.

Following his disappearance, and now subsequent discovery of his body, local authorities initiated an investigation. An unnatural death case has been registered, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.