Naked body of celebrity perfumer found in Goa home

Panaji, October 7

A 39-year-old Goan perfumer was found naked and dead at her house in a village near Panaji, leading police to believe she was murdered.

Police said they found Monica Ghurde striped naked and tied to a bed, while her house bore signs of burglary. Marks on the victim’s neck indicate she could have been strangled, police said.

"We received information about the incident late last night. We found her body in naked condition while the flat was burgled," Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar, who is investigating the case, said. Police said the victim could also have been raped, although only a medical examination could confirm it.

An independent perfumer and a researcher, Ghurde moved into a rented three-bedroom flat in Sangolda, a village some 10 km from Panaji, in July from an adjoining village, Porvorim, police said.

Police said they have yet to investigate what items had been taken from her house.

A security guard at her building was questioned but knew nothing, Kumar said.

"We have sent the body for postmortem (examination). Only after the postmortem report is received we will be able to know the exact cause of death," the inspector said.

The village is 5 km from the famous Calangute beach. — PTI