Hyderabad journalist's suicide: key suspect surrendered before police

Hyderabad: Purnachander Rao, a suspect in the abetment to suicide case of Swetcha Votarkar, surrendered before the Chikadpally police on Saturday night. Swetcha Votarkar, a journalist and writer was found dead in her house. The police discovered her hanging from a ceiling fan, with no suicide note recovered from the scene.

Swetcha’s father filed a complaint accusing Purnachander Rao of abetting her suicide, alleging that his actions created circumstances that drove her to take the extreme step. Based on the complaint, the Chikadpally police registered a case under IPC Section 306 (abetment to suicide).

Meanwhile, Purnachander Rao, along with his lawyer, appeared before the police late at night. Before that, Rao released a statement blaming Swetcha’s parents for her death. Further investigations are underway.

The tragic incident has drawn widespread condemnation and condolences from political leaders and officials.

KT Rama Rao (KTR), working president of BRS, expressed deep sorrow, calling Swetcha a "fierce journalist, writer, and dedicated Telanganite." He extended condolences to her family, especially her daughter and mother, urging those struggling with mental health to seek help.

C.H. Priyanka, Special Commissioner of Information and Public Relations, mourned the loss, describing Swetcha as a journalist and writer whose death is a significant loss for the state.  

The police are investigating the circumstances leading to Swetcha’s death, while the journalistic community and political leaders continue to express shock over the tragedy.