Telugu film producer and distributor Sunkara KP Chowdary (44) was found dead in his rented apartment in Siolim, North Goa, on Monday, February 3. Police suspect it to be a case of suicide, as a note was discovered at the scene.
“A note was found at the scene, but it did not mention anyone by name. Further investigation is under way,” DGP Police Alok Kumar was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
According to the police, Chowdary had been living alone in the flat for the past six to seven months. Concerned friends alerted the apartment owner after multiple failed attempts to contact him, leading to the discovery of his body. Authorities have sent his remains for postmortem and informed his family. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the autopsy report.
A native of Khammam district in Telangana, Chowdary was known for producing the Telugu version of Rajinikanth’s Kabali and distributing films like Sardar Gabbar Singh and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, featuring Pawan Kalyan and Mahesh Babu, respectively.
However, Chowdary’s career took a downturn, and he became embroiled in a drug-related controversy. He was arrested in June 2023 for alleged possession of cocaine. The Special Operations Team of Madhapur and Rajendranagar police apprehended him near Kismatpur crossroads while he was reportedly attempting to sell contraband. Authorities seized 90 sachets (82.75 grams) of cocaine and Rs 2 lakh in cash from him.
According to Deccan Chronicle, Chowdary reportedly entered the drug trade after facing financial difficulties in the film industry. He allegedly operated a pub in Goa, which served as a hub for drug supply to celebrities. Reports suggest he procured ganja from Nigerian national Petit Ebuzer for personal use before expanding his network. He was also allegedly linked to drug kingpin Edwin Nunes, who was previously arrested by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.