Hindu-Muslim couple in Mumbai found dead in a car, cops suspect suicide

Locals got suspicious when they saw a Mitsubishi Lancer with its headlights on parked near Mulund court around 4am.

A young couple was found dead inside a car parked near Mumbai’s Mulund Court on Wednesday morning.

Salman Khan, 25, had been dating Manisha Negi, 23, for four years. (HT Photo)

While no suicide note was found, the police suspect the Hindu-Muslim couple committed suicide as their families were against their relationship.

Salman Khan, 25, and Manisha Negi, 23, had been dating for four years since the second year of their college in Bhandup, according to Khan’s friends.

Locals got suspicious when they saw a Mitsubishi Lancer, with the headlights, on parked near the court around 4am. On seeing that the youngsters were unconscious, they informed the police. They were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were declared dead. The bodies were then sent for post-mortem.

The police have registered a case of accidental death. Khan owned an apparel store in Mulund (West), while Negi worked in a private firm . “They were together since the past few days but were in touch with their families. The car was Khan’s,” said Akhilesh kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of police, Zone 7.

Khan’s social media post on May 16 read: “Suicide doesn’t end the pain. It just passes it on to someone else…This quote is the only reason I am still here.”

The police recovered two bottles , which police suspect to be poison, from the car. “We have sent the samples for forensic analysis,” said Singh.

Friends described Khan as a shy boy who was known for his good looks. “Khan was a regular at gym, but had recently stopped coming.” Somesh Pandey, another friend, said he looked “absolutely fine” when they met recently. “His four brothers are well-settled,” said another friend. One of Khan’s brothers lives in the US and is expected to reach the city soon.