Man found dead in Mumbai lodge

Mumbai, Feb 21 (PTI) An unidentified man believed tobe from Bangalore was today found dead in a lodge while histwo associates are untraceable, police said.

The man, aged 28 to 30 years, was found dead withpesticide packets lying next to him on the bed in a room atBharat lodge in suburban Chembur, police said.

"The deceased, who is yet to be identified, along withhis two companions had checked into the lodge on February 16,saying they had come here to attend the birthday party oftheir friend," said Senior Inspector B B Rathod said.

According to police, three persons, aged 28 to 30, hadchecked into the lodge on February 16 morning, giving theirnames as Jaywant and Nitin Khankare and Vicky Thakur.

Yesterday, they told the lodge management that theywould extend their stay, but this morning there was noresponse from inside their room when an attender knocked thedoor, Rathod said.

"When the room was opened with a duplicate key, a manwas found in an unconscious state. He was taken to RajawadiHospital where he was declared dead. It is not yet clear if itwas a case of murder or suicide," he said.

A train ticket from Mangalore to Kurla, a mobile phoneand a bank passbook were found in the room, Rathod said.

"All three appeared to be from Bangalore. We areverifying their names given in the lodge register," anofficial said, adding they were also in touch with Mangalorepolice.

Further probe was on.