Bengaluru: In a tragic incident, a 24-year-old software engineer was found dead in a hotel room in Bengaluru’s Electronic City area, allegedly after inhaling helium gas. The victim, identified as S Yajnik, hailed from Sakleshpur in Hassan district and was employed by a Bengaluru-based company. He had been working from home for the past four years, only visiting his office on Sarjapur Main Road occasionally.
The Incident
Yajnik had checked into a hotel on Neeladri Road on August 16, telling his family that he had an MTech examination to attend. He had booked the room until Tuesday. However, when he failed to check out or respond to calls from the hotel management on the scheduled day, staff members became concerned. After knocking on the door and receiving no response, they used a duplicate key to enter the room, only to find Yajnik lying on the floor.
His face was covered with a black plastic bag, and it appeared that he had inhaled helium gas through a pipe connected to a small cylinder. The police, who were immediately notified, searched the room but did not find any suicide note.
Investigation
CCTV footage from the hotel shows Yajnik walking into the room around 11:30 PM on Monday, carrying a small bag. It is believed that the bag contained the portable helium cylinder and the pipe used in the act. An investigating officer mentioned that Yajnik seemed to have been upset over personal issues, although the exact motive behind his actions is still unclear.
“The footage shows Yajnik entering the hotel room with the bag, which we believe contained the helium cylinder. The absence of a suicide note complicates the investigation, but it does seem like a case of suicide,” the officer was quoted as saying.
Background
Yajnik’s family reported that he had left home on August 16, claiming that he needed to attend an MTech examination. However, his decision to check into a hotel instead has raised questions. The police are exploring all angles, including any personal issues that might have led to this tragic outcome.
Helium inhalation is known to cause asphyxiation, leading to death when oxygen is displaced from the lungs. The ease of access to portable helium cylinders has raised concerns about their use in suicides.
Conclusion
The death of S Yajnik has left his family and colleagues in shock. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover more details surrounding the incident. The case also highlights the need for increased awareness and intervention in mental health issues, particularly among young professionals facing personal and professional pressures.