The Hindu : New Delhi News : Man found dead in Agrasen Ki Baoli

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Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007
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New Delhi

Man found dead in Agrasen Ki Baoli

Staff Reporter

Victim identified as Surender Kumar; suicide suspected

NEW DELHI: A 39-year-old man allegedly committed suicide at the ancient Agrasen Ki Baoli on Hailey Road here on Tuesday.

Though the water in the tank is just four to five feet deep, it is suspected that the victim, later identified as Surender Kumar, injured his head in the fall and drowned.

"The water in the well is not deep enough for anyone to drown. It appears that the victim's head hit the bottom of the tank," said Joginder Saini, a swimming pool operator at Gauri Sadan, who pulled the body out of the tank.

According to Rajpal, a security guard posted at the historic Baoli that stands in the heart of New Delhi, Surender arrived there around noon and claimed that he wanted to make a wish at the tank by offering some bronze coins. "He appeared very sad. People usually throw coins into the tank here and make wishes, so we did not suspect any foul play. When he did not return for a long time, I got suspicious. When I went inside, I saw his body floating in the tank. I immediately called up the Police Control Room."

As soon as word about the tragedy spread, several people and security guards from nearby buildings rushed to the tank. Shortly afterwards, the police and two fire tenders also reached the spot and the body was pulled out.

"On the face of it, it appears to be a case of suicide as the victim neither screamed nor made any attempt to save his life. Also, since he was alone it seems that he had already made up his mind to end his life before he came here," said a senior police officer.

According to the police, Surender owned four vehicles that he had hired out to a travel agency. The vehicles were purchased on loan and the police have not ruled out the possibility of a financial crisis for the tragedy. "We are in touch with his family. No suicide note has been recovered," said the police officer.

Agrasen Ki Baoli is a monument of national importance and is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

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