Bollywood Superstar Sridevi's Death Ruled Accidental Drowning, Police Close Investigation
Bollywood superstar Sridevi died of accidental drowning in a bathtub after losing consciousness, police in Dubai ruled following a post-mortem report.
With the announcement, police closed their investigation of the star’s sudden death, according to the BBC, ending rampant media speculation – including that foul play may have been involved.
Media outlets had previously reported that the 54-year-old actress, who had been attending a family wedding in Dubai, had died of cardiac arrest on Saturday.
Dubai’s media office announced on Monday that the post-mortem analysis had been completed. It also added that the case would now be transferred by the Dubai Public Prosecution, which will “carry out regular legal procedures followed in such cases”.
Following the completion of post-mortem analysis, @DubaiPoliceHQ today stated that the death of Indian actress Sridevi occurred due to drowning in her hotel apartment’s bathtub following loss of consciousness.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 26, 2018
Dubai Public Prosecution has approved the release of the body of the Indian actress Sridevi to her family following the completion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of her death.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2018
Dubai Public Prosecution stressed that all regular procedures followed in such cases have been completed. As per the forensic report, the death of the Indian actress occurred due to accidental drowning following loss of consciousness. The case has now been closed.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 27, 2018
The forensic report was released by Dubai police to Sridevi’s family and the Indian consulate, according to the Gulf News, but has not yet been made public.
Authorities also released the body to her family, so that she could be flown back to India for the funeral.
Born Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan, Sridevi Kapoor (known professionally as Sridevi) started acting at the age of four, and appeared in 300 films, Reuters reports. In 2013 the Bollywood actress was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
The Indian superstar’s death has so far prompted tributes from multiple Bollywood stars and dignitaries, including the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi .
Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 25, 2018
Actress Priyanka Chopra also tweeted: “I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi. A dark day. RIP”.
I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 24, 2018