LUCKNOW: The body of a 45-year-old IIT-trained engineer was found inside his flat in Gorakhpur on Friday, with police suspecting that he had died three to four days earlier.The discovery was made after neighbours noticed a foul smell coming from the apartment and alerted the police.The deceased, identified as Abhishek Tripathi, lived alone in Flat No. 202 of Malhar Apartment in Sahara Estate. Police broke open the door after receiving the complaint and found his body lying on a sofa inside the flat.The exact cause of death remains unclear.Police said the post-mortem examination has not so far established the cause, and the findings, along with other evidence collected from the flat, are being examined.According to police, the door was locked from inside when they reached the apartment. The flat has since been sealed as part of the investigation.Abhishek’s family said his parents had died several years ago.His father, Sabha Tripathi, had retired as an Executive Engineer in the Irrigation Department and had originally belonged to Mahason village in Kushinagar. However, he was posted in Gorakhpur, where the family subsequently lived and the children completed their education.The family said their father died around 16 years ago, while their mother died about three years later.Abhishek had studied at an IIT and subsequently worked for a multinational company in Noida. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he moved to Gorakhpur while working from home.According to his sister, Gudiya alias Archana, Abhishek lost his job around four years ago. Following this, his condition reportedly deteriorated and he began facing prolonged personal difficulties. The family arranged treatment for him in Lucknow, but his problems continued.Abhishek had never married and had been living alone in the Gorakhpur apartment.His younger brother Ambrish, who works as an IT engineer in the United States, used to send him money for his expenses, according to the family. Ambrish would also visit Gorakhpur from time to time, while his sister, who lives in Gorakhpur with her husband, also kept in touch with him.After learning about Abhishek’s death, Ambrish left the United States for Gorakhpur. The family said the last rites would be performed after his arrival.Abhishek’s elder brother Ashutosh had worked as a security guard for former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and died of illness in Chennai in 2014.Neighbours said Abhishek had gradually become socially isolated and spent most of his time inside the flat. He rarely interacted with people in the apartment complex.They said he had not been seen outside for around three to four days before the discovery of his body.On Friday, residents noticed a strong foul smell emanating from the flat and informed the police. When police arrived and broke open the door, they found Abhishek’s body on the sofa.Police said some household items inside the room were found scattered. Investigators are examining the circumstances in which the death occurred and are also checking material evidence from the flat.The deceased’s mobile phone was found locked, and investigators are attempting to access it as part of the probe to establish his recent communications and other relevant details.CO Kirti Nidhi Anand said Abhishek had not stepped outside the flat for three to four days and the door was locked from inside.She said the cause of death had not yet been established and that the post-mortem report and other evidence were being examined. Police are also investigating the condition of the room and the circumstances surrounding his death.
