Woman found dead in Kankaria Lake, police suspect 1st suicide case since lakefront redevelopment

A 50-year-old woman was found dead in Kankaria Lake on Friday, prompting police to suspect what could be the first reported suicide at the lake since its redevelopment.

According to police, a passerby spotted a body floating in the lake and alerted the police and fire brigade teams. Fire personnel later retrieved the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

During the investigation, Maninagar Police Station identified the deceased as Rasila Panchal, a 50-year-old resident of Odhav.

Police said preliminary inquiries revealed that the woman had allegedly left her mobile phone near the lakefront parapet before jumping into the water. Investigators also found that she had made a final phone call to her husband shortly before the incident.

The woman reportedly told her husband, “I am leaving, do not search for me. I will not return,” before switching off her phone.

Officials said the exact reason behind the suspected suicide is yet to be ascertained. However, investigators suspect that domestic discord may have led the woman to take the extreme step.

Police have registered a case of accidental death and further investigation is under way.