Hyderabad Journalist Swetcha Votarkar Found Dead by Suicide at Home, Police Begin Investigation

In a deeply tragic and shocking development, senior journalist and special correspondent Swetcha Votarkar died by suicide at her residence in Hyderabad’s Chikkadpally area on Friday evening, June 27. Swetcha, who worked with T News Telugu channel and had previously been associated with TV9 and other media houses, was found hanging in her bedroom. According to Telangana Today, the incident came to light when her daughter returned home and discovered the room locked from the inside. Neighbours forced open the door, only to find Swetcha unresponsive. She was declared dead by paramedics, and the Chikkadpally police later shifted her body to Gandhi Hospital for post-mortem.

Swetcha was known not just for her fearless journalism but also for her empathetic and supportive nature among peers. Her sudden death has left the Hyderabad media fraternity in disbelief, with many journalists and friends gathering outside the hospital mortuary to pay their respects. Some of them, visibly devastated, recalled how she had once helped them battle their own mental health crises, urging them to keep going. Ironically, she had become a source of strength for many facing similar thoughts. Swetcha drew immense inspiration from her late father, a staunch communist, and even her name—‘Swetcha’—means ‘freedom’ in Telugu, reflecting the ideals she stood for throughout her career.

The journalist was reportedly divorced and living with her partner along with her mother and daughter in Ram Nagar. While police have confirmed the death was a suicide, the exact circumstances and cause remain under investigation. Authorities have not recovered any note at the scene, and officials say all angles are being explored. As the media fraternity mourns the loss of one of its boldest voices, mental health advocates once again stress the importance of seeking support. (If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact Roshni Suicide Prevention Helpline at 040–66202000.)

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