The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has concluded that Mylapalli Chanti, a 30-year-old fisherman, did not die in a murder at Jalaripeta beach in Visakhapatnam. His body was found on September 7 with injuries to his face and a rope around his neck, prompting the One Town police to initially register a murder case following a complaint from his sister. India Live

During the investigation, police questioned around 50 people, examined CCTV footage and analysed call data to reconstruct Chanti’s movements before his death. The SIT, headed by Gajuwaka Traffic Inspector Sheikh Hussain, also examined footage from private establishments and Navy-installed cameras after obtaining the necessary permission. India Live

The investigation found that Chanti had been facing family problems and alcohol addiction. Police also said he had displayed signs of being in a disturbed state of mind and had reportedly told people close to him that unidentified persons were following him and trying to kill him. India Live

A key finding came from a group of around 15 people who were at Jalaripeta beach around 1 a.m. on September 7 for a Sri Krishnashtami idol immersion. According to their statements, they saw Chanti sitting near the sea and repeatedly tightening a rope around his neck. India Live

Police said the post-mortem examination findings also supported the conclusion that Chanti died by self-strangulation. The SIT investigation therefore ruled out the involvement of another person in his death.