Mumbai, July 3, 2025 : In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, 30-year-old actress Kritika Chaudhary was found murdered in her apartment in the Andheri West area of Mumbai. Her body, discovered in a severely decomposed state, was recovered by Mumbai Police late Tuesday night after neighbors reported a foul smell emanating from her flat. Initial investigations suggest that the crime may be linked to a financial dispute over drugs.

According to police sources, the actress was last seen alive nearly four days before her body was discovered. The apartment was locked from the outside, raising suspicions that the murderer may have attempted to stage the scene to appear as if Kritika had been away. A forensic team was immediately dispatched to the site, and preliminary reports indicate that she suffered head trauma. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after a postmortem is completed.

Kritika Chaudhary, originally from Haridwar, had moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. She had appeared in several television serials and small film projects, and was reportedly struggling with unstable employment and financial issues. A source close to the actress claimed that she had been associating with a group involved in drug distribution, and may have had a falling-out with them over unpaid debts.

“We suspect foul play,” said a senior police officer from Amboli Police Station. “The condition of the body and the locked apartment suggest that the assailant was someone known to her. We are currently questioning multiple individuals from her social circle, including her former flatmate and certain people she was last seen with.”

The investigation took a sharp turn after the police examined Kritika’s phone records and discovered frequent communication with a few individuals previously under surveillance for drug-related offenses. The police have already taken two persons into custody for questioning, although no formal arrests have been made as of now.

The news of her untimely death has sparked conversations on social media about the darker, often hidden realities faced by struggling artists in the film industry. Many netizens and actors have posted tributes online, while some have called for stricter scrutiny of substance abuse and mental health concerns in the entertainment sector.

In the meantime, police have sealed the apartment and are awaiting toxicology and autopsy reports from Cooper Hospital. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the apartment complex and nearby locations, hoping to trace the movements of potential suspects.

Kritika’s family, who are reportedly devastated by the incident, are expected to arrive in Mumbai for her final rites. A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered.

As the investigation continues, Mumbai Police have urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist in solving the case. The mystery surrounding Kritika Chaudhary’s death continues to deepen, with more layers expected to unravel in the coming days.