The post-mortem reports of Kannada TV artiste, who was brought dead to the Baptist Hospital in Bangalore by her husband Surendra Babu (JDS leader) on October 9, stated that Hemashree died due to overdose of chloroform after which she was murdered. The doctors, who conducted the post-mortem have said that Hemashree died at least six-hours before she was brought to hospital which contradicted the version of Hemashree's husband, who said Hemashree fell unconscious and he immediately brought her to hospital.

The sources said that police suspected the role of Congress leader in Anantapur, Murali as the death apparently took place at his farm house in Anantapur.  The police, however, launched their man hunt for the driver and farm house owner Murali. Hemashree was 26 and a popular Kannada silver screen actor. She appeared in several television soaps and was said to have ruled the industry for over five years. It may be noted that Hemashree earlier approached the police alleging that she was married off to Surendra Babu forcibly.

(AW Phani)