The Mysterious Death That Shook Chikmagalur
A Vacation Turned Tragic
What started as a fun trip to a homestay in Chikmagalur ended in tragedy for Ranjita, a young IT professional from Bengaluru. She’d traveled there last October to celebrate her friend’s engagement, checking into Hipla Homestay near AldurBP. On October 25, she stepped into the bathroom for a shower – and never came out.
When Ranjita didn’t return after a long time, worried friends forced open the door. They found her unconscious inside. Despite rushing her to a nearby hospital, doctors couldn’t save her. The sudden death of this young woman with no visible injuries left everyone puzzled.
The Poisonous Truth Revealed
Four months later, forensic experts uncovered the shocking cause: carbon monoxide poisoning. The autopsy report confirmed toxic gas killed Ranjita. Investigators discovered a deadly setup – the bathroom’s gas geyser was leaking carbon monoxide, and poor ventilation trapped the poisonous fumes inside the small space.
This silent killer gives no warning. You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but it quickly replaces oxygen in your bloodstream. Within minutes in that enclosed bathroom, Ranjita would have felt dizzy before losing consciousness.
Criminal Case Filed
Ranjita’s family blames the homestay owner for her death, claiming basic safety rules were ignored. Police found the geyser installation violated standards and the bathroom lacked proper airflow. Authorities have filed an FIR (formal complaint) against owner Sudhakar at Aldur police station under negligence laws.
Investigators are now gathering evidence about who installed the faulty equipment and whether the homestay skipped mandatory safety checks. If proven guilty of criminal negligence, the owner could face serious consequences.
Safety Alert for Travelers
This tragedy has triggered safety warnings across Karnataka’s tourism industry. Authorities are reminding all homestay and lodge operators that deadly accidents happen when they cut corners. Proper ventilation systems and regular appliance checks aren’t optional – they’re life-saving requirements.
Police advise travelers to trust their instincts: if bathrooms lack windows/exhaust fans or appliances look poorly maintained, speak up immediately. Your safety comes before politeness when invisible dangers like carbon monoxide are involved.
