Tamil and Malayalam actor Vishnupriya’s father, Suryanarayanan, was found dead in his Kodaikanal bungalow, bound to a chair with his face taped shut, suggesting suffocation. Five tourists who checked in the previous day have vanished, along with valuables and the CCTV hard drive, pointing to a robbery-turned-murder. Investigators are also probing a past case involving Suryanarayanan.

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains gruesome details of murder and violence, which could be triggering for some readers.Tamil and Malayalam actor Vishnupriya’s father Suryanarayanan was found dead at his bungalow in Kodaikanal. The discovery was made near the swimming pool area which was close to the Kurinji Aandavar Temple.Reports from Manorama Online says that the initial visuals from the crime scene indicated that the death was not accidental as the body was found tied to a chair with tape stuck tightly over the face. Police officials who were quick to arrive at the site have stated that preliminary findings point to suffocation as the cause of death.

Body found tied to chair with face taped shut

According to the police the body was found with both hands tied to a chair while tape wrapped across the mouth and nose appeared to have caused suffocation.Officers noted that tape covered a significant portion of the body as well. The bungalow, which Suryanarayanan often rented out to tourists, had been occupied by five visitors who had arrived just a day earlier. Their sudden disappearance from the property has intensified suspicion. Reports stated that gold ornaments and the CCTV hard disk were missing and this further strengthen the possibility of a planned robbery-turned-murder.

Five tourists missing from property

The five tourists who checked into the bungalow the previous night are now considered primary suspects reportedly. Police teams have launched a statewide search to locate them. Investigators believe that the murder may have been executed after restraining bungalow staff members Arumugam and Murali. Both employees were reportedly tied with ropes before the crime took place. They were later questioned extensively as part of the investigations.

Past case resurfaces as police revisit background

As investigations deepen an old case from 2018 has resurfaced. Suryanarayanan had previously been arrested in connection with the murder of Vishnupriya’s boyfriend, Prabhakaran. Reportedly the officers believe the primary motive appears to be theft but are not ruling out personal enmity or retaliation until the suspects are located and interrogated.DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is struggling with any form of abuse, please seek support. Reach out to a mental health specialist, an NGO, or a trusted individual. Numerous helplines are also available to help.