Goa: Goa Police have arrested a woman in connection with the alleged murder of a Udupi-based entrepreneur whose body was found under suspicious circumstances in a hotel room in Calangute last week. Investigators suspect the victim was drugged, robbed and later died, with police probing whether the accused was involved in a larger honey-trap and robbery racket targeting tourists.
The accused, identified as Akshata alias Rupashree C, was traced and arrested after a search operation in Karnataka. She has been remanded to five days of police custody by a court in Goa to facilitate further investigation.
Victim found dead in Goa hotel
The victim, Sandeep Saliyan (42), a water sports entrepreneur from Malpe in Udupi district and a former aide to BJP leader Pramod Madhwaraj, had travelled to Goa with friends. Police said he reportedly met the accused at a casino before the two went to a hotel in Calangute. He was later found unconscious in his room, while valuables, including his gold chain and wallet, were reported missing.
Police suspect drugging and robbery
According to investigators, preliminary findings indicate that the accused allegedly administered an intoxicating substance to the businessman before fleeing with his valuables. Police are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact cause of death and establish whether the alleged drugging directly led to the victim’s death.
Authorities are also examining whether the accused was involved in similar offences targeting tourists at casinos. Investigators are probing possible links with an earlier case in which a Gujarat tourist alleged he had been drugged and robbed after meeting a woman at a casino.
Investigation continues
Goa Police said the accused’s custodial interrogation is expected to help reconstruct the sequence of events and determine whether other individuals were involved in the crime. Further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.