Pratyusha Banerjee's DEATH: Post-mortem report reveals 'suffocation' as cause of death

New Delhi: The suspense surrounding the mysterious death of Balika Vadhu star Pratyusha Banerjee took another tense turn after the post-mortem revealed that 'asphyxia' could have been the cause of her death and that ligature marks were also seen around her neck. According to Mumbai Police sources, the doctors in the post mortem report have given their opinion that asphyxia, which is a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen , could have resulted in her death and added that ligature marks were seen around her neck. Sources added so far it looks like a clear case of suicide and that no foul play was seen. However, they did not rule out that aspect as well. Meanwhile, the police are vigorously continuing their investigation into the death of the starlet. Following the last rites of Pratyusha, her 'Balika Vadhu' and 'Big Boss' co-stars spoke to the media, strongly denying the reports that she was in any sort of financial distress or suffering from chronic depression. "Pratyusha was doing very well in her career. People who are spreading rumors that she was in financial trouble and did not even have money for food, is absolute rubbish. After doing the reality show, she wanted to take a break and make a comeback," actor Kamya Punjabi said. "Her friends who lived with her and worked with her can tell you that she was doing well. Yes, she was not happy in her personal relationship but we cannot say if that was cause for suicide. She has bruises on her faces and a scar on her cheek," TV producer Vikas Gupta said. Her colleagues clearly ruled out her professional life as a cause of her death but asserted confidently that her love life was facing massive turbulence which had made her to push all her friends, family and colleagues away. Pratyusha hanged herself from a fan at her Kandivli residence but was found and taken to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where she succumbed. The Jamshedpur-born actress followed on her early success with popular TV serial 'Balika Vadhu' as Anandi which managed to win applause with the social issues it raised and the awareness it created amongst the viewers. 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.