The family kept the body of the 50-year-old woman in their rented apartment for four days, believing that continued prayers would bring her back to life.
The deceased, identified as Shailaja, was undergoing treatment for a chronic illness and died on February 13. Her body was taken to their flat in Sri Sai Bharadwaj Apartments instead of being taken for the funeral rites.
Police said the family, comprising an 80-year-old woman and her three children, including Shailaj, had been living in the house for the past 18 years. After her death, the family reportedly kept the body in a freezer and continued to pray, expressing their belief that she would come back to life. Officials said the family members were reportedly in psychological distress.
As the days passed, an unpleasant smell began to waft from the apartment, and concerned neighbors alerted the police. Officers arrived at the scene and advised the family on legal and public health issues. The family then took the body to their native place in Andhra Pradesh for the final rites.
The police clarified that there were no suspicious circumstances in connection with the death and no criminal proceedings were registered.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 21:36 IST