Hyderabad, October 26, 2026: A 29-year-old software professional was found dead at her apartment in Hyderabad’s Madhapur area on Sunday morning, October 25, after a late-night video call with her boyfriend during which she allegedly threatened to take her own life if he did not marry her, police said.
The deceased was identified as Archana Choudhary Malik, a native of Uttar Pradesh who worked as a senior associate at a multinational company in Hyderabad’s Mindspace technology hub. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, including events leading up to the video call and the couple’s relationship.
Woman Was in a Four-Year Relationship
According to preliminary police findings, Archana had been in a relationship with a male colleague, identified in local media reports as Bhandari Vimal, a native of Uttarakhand, for approximately four years.
Police said the man was married and was reportedly undergoing divorce proceedings. Archana had also reportedly initiated divorce proceedings with her husband because she wanted to marry her partner, according to local reporting.
Investigators are examining the circumstances of the relationship and the events that preceded the woman’s death. The precise reasons behind the incident have not been conclusively established.
What Happened Before Her Death?
Police said Archana made a video call to her boyfriend at around 2:30 am on Sunday. He was reportedly attending a family function at the time.
During the call, she allegedly showed him a scarf, known locally as a chunni, tied to a ceiling fan and threatened to end her life if he did not agree to marry her.
After the call ended, the man reportedly attempted to contact her several times but received no response. Concerned about her safety, he travelled to her apartment at approximately 5:30 am.
When he arrived, he found the door locked from inside. Police were alerted, and officers reached the flat and forced open the door. They found Archana hanging from the ceiling fan, according to the police account reported by news agencies.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the discovery, police examined the scene with the assistance of a forensic clues team. Archana’s body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem examination.
A case relating to a suspicious death was registered, and further investigation is underway to establish the full sequence of events.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the video call and other available evidence. Authorities have not publicly established a definitive cause or explanation beyond the preliminary findings reported so far.
Investigation Continues
The incident has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the woman’s relationship and her reported desire to marry her partner. However, police have yet to complete their investigation, and the available information should be treated as preliminary.
The post-mortem findings and further investigative evidence may help authorities establish the circumstances of her death.
