A 17-year-old cricketer from Telangana, who had reportedly earned a place in the BCCI Under-19 setup, died by suicide at her grandmother's residence in Vikarabad on Friday, November 13. Her family has accused two local youths, identified as Anil and Krishna, of stalking and harassing her.
Nandini Rathod hailed from Sangayyapalli village in Yalal mandal and had moved to Madhu Colony in Vikarabad to continue her education and cricket training. She regularly attended practice sessions at the local stadium and had recently earned selection to the BCCI Under-19 team.
Family Links BCCI U-19 Cricketer's Death to Alleged Harassment by Two Youths
Nandini Rathod died by suicide at her grandmother's residence. Her relatives alleged that Anil had been following and harassing her under the pretext of love, while Krishna had supported him.
The family claimed the harassment had continued for around three months and said they had previously warned both youths to stay away from her. According to reports, the accused threatened her after the family confronted them.
They suspect the alleged harassment may have contributed to the teenager's death. Following the incident, family members and relatives staged a road protest in Vikarabad, demanding the immediate arrest of both youths and strict legal action.
Police intervened and spoke to the protesters. Both youths were reportedly detained for questioning as investigators began examining the family's allegations.
Vikarabad Police Examine Nandini's Phone for Harassment Evidence
Vikarabad Circle Inspector Raghu said police received information about the incident at around 9 am on Friday and immediately reached the residence. Officers shifted Nandini's body to Vikarabad Area Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police later registered a case of suspicious death.
As part of the investigation, police seized her mobile phone and sent it for forensic examination. Investigators are checking her social media accounts and private communications to determine whether she faced online harassment or blackmail.
"We will examine her Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to ascertain whether anyone had been harassing or troubling her through social media. Based on the findings, appropriate action will be taken against those responsible," CI Raghu said.
Police said further action would depend on the digital examination findings and other evidence gathered during the investigation. The exact circumstances surrounding Nandini's death remain unclear.
Police Await Forensic Findings to Establish Circumstances Behind Nandini's Death
Following the post-mortem examination, police handed Nandini's body over to her family. Her relatives had earlier demanded strict action against the two youths, alleging that their harassment had caused her distress.
However, investigators have yet to establish whether the family's allegations had any connection to Nandini's death. The circumstances that led to the incident also remain unclear.
The forensic findings and other evidence collected during the investigation will help police determine the next course of action. Further legal steps will depend on what investigators establish during the probe.
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