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Kullu/Himachal Pradesh: The naked bodies of a couple from Russia were found at a small pond near the holy town of Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, police said on Friday. The deceased persons, identified as Beletsky Maksim (37) and Rantseva Anna (21), were found in a hot spring pool at Tegri, nearly 2 km from Manikaran. Maksim had cut marks on his wrists, and both victims had swollen faces, as reported by the police on Friday.
The deceased’s mobile phone and passport were found nearby, as well as a note, allegedly written by Anna, instructing that her phone be sent to her family in Russia through the embassy.
In another note, a request was made to send the belongings of both of them to the Russian Embassy. Police are investigating whether the deaths were the result of suicide, drug overdose or other factors.
“Primarily, we suspected it to be a double murder case, but, after finding the notes, we are investigating whether it was a suicide pact. It could also be a case of drug overdose. We are probing all angles,” police said as reported by sources.
Providing details on the injuries, ASP Sanjeev Chauhan mentioned cut marks on the man’s hand and neck, while the woman exhibited injury marks on her hand. Despite these injuries not being immediately fatal, the precise cause of death remains undetermined.
The bodies have been sent for postmortem examination at the government zonal hospital, with Kullu ASP Sanjiv Chauhan stating that the Russian embassy has been notified of the incident.
“We have started gathering evidence. A forensics team was tasked to find out the evidence. We will crack the case shortly,” the ASP said. “A blade, a mobile phone, other belongings, and drugs (charas) were also recovered from the spot,” he added.
Parvati Valley, known for its prevalent drug availability, attracts numerous foreign tourists annually.
