Popular TV actress Chitra found dead at hotel

Popular TV host-turned-actress K Chitra, who was playing one of lead roles in a serial called Pandian Stores aired on Star Vijay, was found dead at a resort in Sembarambakkam in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The 29-year-old actress who returned to her room around 1 am after the shoot was allegedly upset, according to her husband Hemnath, who was also staying with her in the Pleasant Days resort for the last few days.

"Chitra allegedly asked Hemnath to bring her bag from the car in the parking lot, when he returned, the door had been locked from inside.

He alerted the resort manager and they opened the room with the spare keys to find her hanging from the ceiling," said police, quoting Hemnath.

They informed the police control room and Nazarethpet police rushed to the spot. Chitra's body was retrieved and sent to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for post-mortem.

A case has been registered and an inquiry has been ordered by the Revenue Divisional Officer, since she got married only two months ago.

Police said that Chitra got engaged to Hemnath last year and their marriage was registered recently in the presence of family members.

"They had planned to throw a wedding reception for relatives and friends in a few weeks," said police.

Chitra's father Kamaraj, a retired sub-inspector, visited the Nazarethpet police station. He told media persons that he did not suspect any foul play in the death and requested police personnel to investigate the incident in a fair manner.

While there is no suicide note found in the room, police have seized Chitra's phone to check if there is evidence to ascertain the cause of her death. Her co-stars may also be inquired as part of the investigation.

Chitra who began her career as a television anchor later started acting in serials. She became familiar with the audience after her Mullai character in the serial Pandian Stores became popular.

Several TV and movie artistes expressed shock over Chitra's death on social media platforms.