SIT to investigate 'mysterious death' of 18-year-old babysitter

UTTARKASHI: Police on Saturday evening filed a "case of murder" against the homestay owner and his cook after the "mysterious death" of an 18-year-old babysitter at a facility in Kaflon village of Uttarkashi district. A special investigation team has been set up but no arrests have been made so far.

Working as a babysitter at the homestay for the past year, purportedly taking care of the owner's child, the 18-year-old was found hanging inside a staff room on Friday morning. Subsequently, her family alleged foul play, she was murdered before being tied from the ceiling as "her feet were touching the ground". The homestay was sealed by police and forensic experts collected evidence. The post-mortem, which was videographed, was conducted by a panel of three doctors and its report stated "death due to choking".

CO (Uttarkashi) Anuj Kumar, told TOI on Sunday, "The homestay owner and his cook were booked under charges of murder. We're investigating the case from all angles and waiting for its findings before taking further action. After assurances from senior cops, the family agreed to perform the last rites."