Murder Disguised as Suicide
• Dark Secrets Behind a Woman’s Death in Mumbai Darukhana
• Ignored by Media, Exposed by Sprouts News
In a disturbing revelation, Sprouts News has uncovered a possible murder in Mumbai’s Darukhana area that is being officially passed off as a suicide. The victim, a woman from a marginalized background living in the slums near Kaula Bunder, appears to have been poisoned—allegedly by a man with whom she had an exploitative relationship spanning several years. Despite strong circumstantial evidence and family claims, the case is not being investigated as a homicide. The media and political class have shown little interest, possibly due to the victim’s socio-economic status.
This case draws unsettling parallels with high-profile deaths like those of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput and his manager Disha Salian, which also raised questions about whether they were suicides or murders. While those cases attracted sustained media and political attention, the Darukhana incident is being conveniently ignored. However, Sprouts News has pursued the story to uncover the truth behind what increasingly appears to be a calculated and deliberate crime.
• Woman Trapped, Exploited and Silenced in the Shadows: Mumbai slum murder, woman poisoned, Darukhana case update.
The victim, Nirmala Velliyat, originally from Tamil Nadu, had married a local man in 2011 and lived in Chennai. However, during her visits to her mother’s home in Mumbai, she became acquainted with Laxman Tirumal, a sanitation worker employed with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Earning a steady salary of around ₹60,000 to ₹65,000 per month, Laxman used his position to lure Nirmala with false promises of securing her a municipal job.
Despite being married with children, Laxman persistently pursued Nirmala, who initially resisted his advances. Over time, however, he convinced her to return permanently to Mumbai, promising employment and a better future. She left behind her husband and children in Tamil Nadu and moved into a rented home in Wadala arranged by Laxman. For nearly 5-6 years, the two lived together, relocating every 11 months to avoid drawing attention to their illicit relationship.
• Poisoned to Death: What Really Happened on April 25? Mumbai woman poisoned, Laxman Tirumal suspect, JJ Hospital
In a tragic turn, the situation began to unravel last year when Nirmala’s children came to Mumbai for summer vacation and began staying with her. This reportedly angered Laxman, who started clashing frequently with Nirmala. He would alternate between staying with his legal wife and with Nirmala, leading to frequent arguments, particularly when he stayed at Nirmala’s residence.
According to the investigation by Sprouts News, Laxman decided to eliminate Nirmala permanently. On April 25, 2024, he allegedly mixed poison—originally meant for killing rats—into her food. Shortly after consuming the meal, Nirmala began to feel seriously unwell and had no idea what was happening to her body. She managed to call her mother, Vanasundari, a fellow sanitation worker with the BMC, who rushed her to JJ Hospital.
Doctors at the hospital identified poisoning as the cause and indicated that her survival was unlikely. Tragically, Nirmala (aged 42) passed away within an hour. Despite the circumstances, the death is still being officially recorded as a suicide, even though no suicide note or prior behavioral indicators were found.
• Intimidation and Cover-Up Allegations Surface: Mumbai woman murder case, Laxman Tirumal accused, police inaction
Following her death, Nirmala’s body was brought back to the Kaula Bunder slum area and cremated by her family. Her mother and three children now live in fear. According to the family, Laxman and his brother Shivram have been issuing threats and attempting to bribe them to stay silent about the case. They allege that there is an ongoing effort to cover up the murder.
The involvement of medical staff at JJ Hospital has also raised suspicion, with questions being asked about their handling of the case and lack of proactive reporting to law enforcement. The family fears retaliation and continues to live under constant psychological stress.
Also Read: Corruption Fest in BMC’s Waste Wing: Fake Bills Exposed.
• Sprouts News Calls for Immediate Legal Action Under IPC Sections 302 and 120B: Woman murder investigation in Mumbai, IPC 302, Sprouts News demand.
In light of the strong indicators of foul play, Sprouts News demands that the Shivdi Police initiate a thorough investigation and register a First Information Report (FIR) against Laxman Tirumal, his brother Shivram, and other possibly complicit individuals under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Additionally, a detailed inquiry into the role of JJ Hospital staff and any lapses in medical protocol is essential. The silence around this case reflects a dangerous bias in the system—where crimes against economically weaker sections are not treated with the seriousness they deserve. This case must not become another forgotten statistic. Justice for Nirmala is not just a legal obligation but a moral one.
