UP woman found dead in bathroom, gas geyser suffocation suspected

A 54-year-old woman died allegedly due to suffocation while bathing in a bathroom in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district on Thursday. However, by the time police were informed, the family had already performed the last rites without post-mortem and without formal police procedures.

According to family members, the woman did not come out of the bathroom for a long time, raising suspicion. Despite repeated calls, there was no response from inside. Neighbours were then called, and the door was broken open. She was found unconscious and immediately taken to the Community Health Centre, where doctors declared her dead.

During the preliminary examination, doctors suspected that suffocation caused by a gas geyser may have led to the death.

The deceased was identified as Poonam Jain, 54, a resident of Mohalla Kayasthan in Rampur Maniharan. Her husband, Abhay Jain, told police that she had gone to bathe in the morning and did not return even after half an hour, prompting concern.

Neighbours described Poonam as sociable and said she is survived by her husband, a son and a daughter. The couple lived together at their residence, while their 22-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son are studying in Noida. Abhay Jain runs a grocery shop nearby, and Poonam used to visit the shop daily.

On Thursday, when she did not arrive at the shop, her husband grew worried and tried calling her several times but received no response. After reaching home and searching, he raised an alarm and called neighbours, who helped break open the bathroom door.

Police reached the spot after receiving information and began an inquiry. Officials said prima facie the case appears to be of suffocation in the bathroom.