Monika Ghurde, noted Goa perfume specialist, found dead at home; police suspects rape

Panaji: Monika Ghurde, a well-known perfumer, was found dead at her residence in Goa's Sangolda village today.

There were no clothes on her body and her hand and legs were tied to a bed, said the police, who suspect that the 39-year-old was raped and murdered. There are marks on the neck that could indicate that she was strangled, said a police inspector who is investigating the case,

Ms Ghurde's body, he said, has been sent for a post mortem, which will help establish cause of death.  

"We received information about the incident late last night. We found her naked body and the flat had been burgled," said the police officer, Rajesh Kumar.  

The police has been unable to ascertain what is missing from the three bedroom apartment that Ms Ghurde rented, as she lived alone.

The building watchman has allegedly told the police that he had no information on anyone entering the apartment. The police have rounded up several people from the village, which is 5 km away from Goa's famous Calangute beach.

Monika Ghurde had moved to Sangolda only in July this year from the neighbouring Provorim village. Sangolda is about 10 km away from Goa capital Panjim.

With PTI inputs