Nagpur: A shocking case has come to light in the Mankapur police station limits, where the death of a 23-year-old woman, initially recorded as an accidental death, has now been confirmed as a case of murder.

The deceased has been identified as Prachi Hemraj Khapekar (23), a resident of Plot No. 31, Rajlaxmi Society, behind Prasad Vihar, Collector Colony, Godhni, Mankapur. On January 19, between 11 am and 11.30 am, Prachi was found hanging in the bedroom on the upper floor of her residence. Based on information provided by her mother, Rukmini Hemraj Khapekar (55), Mankapur police had registered an accidental death.

However, the post-mortem examination conducted at Mayo Hospital revealed that Prachi’s death was caused due to a severe head injury. According to the preliminary autopsy report, doctors opined that she was assaulted on the head with a weapon by an unidentified person, leading to her death. The accused allegedly staged the murder to appear as a case of suicide by hanging and attempted to destroy evidence.

Following a complaint lodged by Police Sub-Inspector Uddhav Pokharkar on behalf of the state, an offence has been registered against an unknown accused under Sections 103(1), 238(a), and 238(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Mankapur police station by PSI Khobragade. Further investigation is underway.