Bengaluru businessman found dead in Kannada actress Krishi Thapanda's flat

Dubai: A 45-year-old businessman, who was previously arrested in a high-profile extortion and threat-letter case, was found dead at the Bengaluru apartment of Kannada actor Krishi Thapanda, police said on Thursday.

The deceased, identified as Vaishak Upadhyay, was found hanging at an apartment in Rajarajeshwarinagar on Wednesday night. Police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) and said no suicide note has been recovered. The exact circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

According to police, Vaishak had been staying at the apartment for about a week with Thapanda's knowledge while she was away, Indian media reports said.

Preliminary investigations indicate he had been battling depression and was facing personal and family problems. He had reportedly been living separately from his wife for nearly a month following marital disputes.

'Deeply distressed'

Investigators said Vaishak contacted the actor shortly before the incident, sending messages indicating he was deeply distressed and intended to end his life. Thapanda reportedly tried to console him through calls and messages and urged him not to take any extreme step. During one of their final conversations, she even suggested they visit the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple together, to which he reportedly agreed.

Police said Thapanda later alerted his family after receiving the messages. When she returned to the apartment later that night, she found Vaishak dead and immediately informed the police.

Officers have recorded the actor's statement and collected the messages allegedly sent by Vaishak before his death. The body has been sent to Victoria Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Vaishak had earlier come under the police scanner in February in connection with a sensational extortion and threat-letter case involving businessman and advocate Aravind Reddy. Investigators had alleged that anonymous letters demanding an apology and Rs 6-7 crore were sent through a courier service, threatening serious consequences if the demands were not met.

HAL Police arrested Vaishak during the investigation and questioned him for several days before he was released. The Karnataka High Court later stayed further investigation against him.

Police said Vaishak's family has not alleged foul play in his death. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the incident.