Bengaluru death probe: Jharkhand engineer Pooja Datta had severe depression, cut family ties
Synopsis
A 34-year-old Jharkhand software engineer was found dead in her Bengaluru flat after neighbours reported a foul smell. Police say she had quit her job, gone off-grid, and showed signs of severe depression — but a mystery male visitor and a blood-stained scene mean foul play has not been ruled out.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Datta , 34 , a software engineer from Hirapur near Dhanbad, Jharkhand , was found dead in her rented flat in Adugodi, Bengaluru on the evening of 27 April 2025 .
Her semi-decomposed body indicated she had been dead for at least two to three days before discovery.
Police found writings on her walls and sticky notes with words like
The suspicious death of Pooja Datta, a 34-year-old software engineer originally from Hirapur near Dhanbad, Jharkhand, whose semi-decomposed body was discovered in her rented house in Adugodi, Bengaluru, has triggered a major police investigation. Preliminary findings, according to police, suggest she was suffering from severe depression and had severed contact with her family over the past year. Investigators have not yet found evidence of foul play, though the case remains open.
What the Investigation Has Found So Far
According to police, Pooja Datta had resigned from her job at a private firm approximately one year ago. Shortly after, she switched off her mobile phone, later changed her SIM card, and began using a new number — the validity of which expired three months ago. Neighbours told investigators they had not seen her for at least three months prior to the discovery of her body.
During a search of her residence, officers found handwritten notes and writings on the walls, including words such as
Point of View
Went off-grid, and showed visible signs of distress — yet no welfare check was initiated for over a year. The presence of a mystery male visitor and a blood-stained scene complicate a narrative that authorities have been cautious to frame as depression-linked. Until the post-mortem report arrives, the risk is that investigators prematurely anchor on a mental health explanation, potentially overlooking evidence that warrants a harder look.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pooja Datta and where was she found?
Pooja Datta was a 34-year-old software engineer from Hirapur near Dhanbad in Jharkhand. Her semi-decomposed body was found in her rented house in Munikrishnappa Layout under the Adugodi police station limits in Bengaluru on the evening of 27 April 2025, after neighbours reported a strong foul smell.
What do police believe caused Pooja Datta's death?
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of death. Preliminary findings point to severe depression and prolonged social isolation, but police have not ruled out foul play. The exact cause will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report is received.
Who is the mystery man linked to the case?
According to house owner Janakamma, a young man frequently visited Pooja Datta and the two often had arguments. Police have examined CCTV footage from the surrounding area and are analysing call records to identify and trace this individual.
What was Pooja Datta's background and personal history?
Pooja had been living alone in Bengaluru for three years. She had lost her husband during the Covid pandemic and, according to family members, had not been normal since. She resigned from her job about a year before her death and subsequently cut off contact with her family and friends.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police are awaiting the post-mortem report, which is expected to provide crucial clues about the cause of death. Investigators continue to analyse mobile phone records, CCTV footage, and are questioning friends and acquaintances. A case of suspicious death has been formally registered.
