Police questions Pratyusha's boyfriend, says too early to ascertain cause of death

Mumbai: Indian TV actress Pratyusha Banerjee, widely known for her portrayal of Anandi in soap opera 'Balika Vadhu', committed suicide on Friday. She reportedly attempted suicide earlier in the day and was instantly rushed to Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai where she was declared dead.

Read: Balika Vadhu star Pratyusha Banerjee found dead, suicide suspected

According to reports, Pratyusha took this drastic step due to mounting financial pressures over the last year. While some friends claim that she suffered a bout of depression after she recently separated from her boyfriend of two years, Rahul Raj Singh, others claim that the two had secretly tied the knot after their parents disapproved of their livein relationship.

Read: ‘Suicide not the way out’: Celebrities, friends mourn Pratyusha Banerjee's death

Mumbai Police DCP Vikram Deshpande said, "The search is going on in the flat where apparently the prima facie suicide has taken place, EDR has been registered and we are doing investigation. It is too early to say the cause of the death."

There were reports that on reaching the hospital, Rahul left with his and Pratyusha's phones on the pretext of booking flight ticket for her parents but never returned. However, police officials clarified that he is not absconding and is currently being questioned.

Read: Pratyusha Banerjee death: It's not suicide but a planned murder, claims Ajaz Khan

In an interview to DC, Pratyusha’s mother Soma Banerjee said, “I used to live with my daughter in Kandivali. But on January 12 this year, Rahul said he would take her to live with him in Malad. She told me to return to Jamshedpur, where I live with my husband. Two days ago she spoke to her father and said her life was difficult. On Thursday, she spoke to me and said the same thing. She sounded upset.”  Adding that Pratyusha wanted to marry Rahul, Soma said, “Rahul is definitely responsible for my daughter’s death because she was unhappy and upset in the relationship.”

The Jamshedpur-born actress followed on her early success with popular TV serial 'Balika Vadhu' as Anandi.

She was later seen in the reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5, Bigg Boss 7 and hosted some episodes of Savdhaan India. She recently appeared in Sasural Simar Ka.