Chandigarh: A 28-year-old woman, identified as Rubina from Bapudham, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on June 15 in a forested area between Dhanas Lake and Khuda Lahora village. Police suspect a snake bite near Sukhna Lake as the possible cause of death, but the final autopsy report is still awaited.
Rubina had reportedly left home on Saturday evening to visit a nearby Shani Temple but never returned. Later that evening, she was seen at Sukhna Lake with her male friend, Suraj, a resident of Sector 26 Grain Market.
According to police investigations, Rubina told Suraj she had been bitten by a snake while descending stairs at the lake. She soon collapsed, prompting Suraj to place her in his e-rickshaw and rush toward Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 (GMSH-16). However, before reaching the hospital, Suraj reportedly checked on her and discovered she was unresponsive.
In a state of panic, Suraj allegedly drove towards the forest area near Panjab University and Sector 24 Light Point, where he dumped her body. The following afternoon, around 1:45 pm, local women spotted the body and informed a forest guard named Mohinder, who then alerted the police via emergency helpline 112.
Teams from the Sarangpur police station, including the SHO, DSP of the central division, and a CFSL forensic unit, reached the scene. Rubina’s body was sent to GMSH-16 for post-mortem examination.
During the inquiry, it emerged that Suraj had confided in a friend, Mohammad Irshad, about the events. Irshad subsequently informed the police. Following verification of his statement, Sarangpur police registered a case against Suraj under IPC sections related to causing death not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence. Suraj was arrested shortly after.
Police officials have stated that the cause of death remains inconclusive. The autopsy did not confirm whether Rubina died due to a snake bite, poisoning, or possible strangulation. Authorities are awaiting further forensic results to determine the exact cause of death.
