Punjab Tragedy: Akanksha (22) laid to rest in hometown

The mortal remains of Akanksha (22), a resident of Boliyar in Dharmasthala, who tragically died in Punjab under mysterious circumstances, were laid to rest in her hometown on Wednesday amid grief and growing calls for a thorough investigation.

Her body was flown from Punjab to Delhi, and from there to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, following which it was transported by ambulance to her uncle Prakash’s residence, where the final rites were performed with hundreds of mourners in attendance.

Local leaders, including MLA Harish Poonja, Block Congress President Nagesh Kumar, District Congress Minority Leader U.K. Mohammad Hanif, B.M. Bhatt, and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, were among those who paid their last respects.

Speaking after paying tribute, MLA Harish Poonja expressed deep suspicion over the circumstances of Akanksha’s death.

“There are several unanswered questions surrounding her demise. MP Brijesh Chowta and I have spoken directly with the Punjab Superintendent of Police and Director General of Police, urging a detailed investigation. The Home Minister of Karnataka should also pressurize the Punjab Government to take immediate and transparent action,” he stated.

Akanksha’s grieving mother, Sindhu Devi, tearfully rejected the notion of suicide. “My daughter was not someone who would take her own life. This is not suicide — it’s murder,” she alleged, accusing a professor couple of orchestrating her daughter’s death.

“She had fallen into a trap set by the professor and his wife. The professor’s wife even admitted to luring Akanksha to their home. Together, they are responsible for my daughter’s death,” she added, calling for justice.

Sindhu Devi also revealed that over ₹25 lakh was spent on Akanksha’s education.
“We took out personal loans, pledged gold, and even mortgaged our house to support her. That home is now up for auction, and our daughter is gone. What did we do all this for?” she lamented.

Although traditional cremation was preferred, the family opted for burial to preserve the possibility of a second post-mortem, should authorities pursue further investigation. The first autopsy had already been conducted in Punjab.