28-Year-Old Tourist Dies In Hotel Room In J&K, Possible Gas Poisoning Suspected

In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old tourist from Haryana, identified as Rupali, was found dead in her hotel room at Gurez Valley in Northern Kashmir's Bandipora district on Tuesday.

According to Greater Kashmir, Rupali, who was on a trip with her parents and siblings, was discovered unconscious in the washroom after the door was forcibly opened due to her prolonged absence.

Despite efforts to rush her to the sub-district hospital, doctors declared her dead upon arrival. While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, Dr. Tahira, the block medical officer, suggested the possibility of cardiac arrest due to gas poisoning.

If gas poisoning is confirmed, this incident would add to a series of similar tragedies in Kashmir. Just a couple of years ago, an NDTV report highlighted a case where a married couple and their five-year-old son succumbed to gas poisoning in the Pattan area of Kashmir's Baramulla district.

The Doctor's Association Kashmir (DAK) had previously cautioned against the use of unvented heaters, emphasizing the dangers of using them in enclosed spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Former DAK President, Dr. Nisar ul Hassan, recommended limiting their usage to four hours a day to mitigate risks.