Woman boxer found dead, Andhra government orders probe

An upcoming woman boxer, who had represented Andhra Pradesh in the national championships, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in her hostel room at the Lal Bahadur Stadium here Wednesday.

S. Amravati, 21, who was found in her room in the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) hostel at the stadium, was suspected to have committed suicide by taking sleeping pills. She had been undergoing coaching for three years.

State Sports Minister K. Venkat Reddy has ordered a probe headed by SAAP's managing director. He said the report was expected within two days and the government would initiate measures based on the report.

Police said the boxer died late Tuesday but she was found only Wednesday morning when her coach Omkar Yadav went to her room to know why she did not turn up for practice.

Amaravati was lying on the bed. Stains of vomit and blood were found all around the room, police said.

"We are examining the circumstances and questioning the inmates of the hostel," said Saifabad police inspector M. Sudarshan.

Her family has blamed Omkar Yadav for the death and demanded a thorough probe.

"She complained several times that Omkar was very critical of her and had made adverse comments against her for not bagging medals," her brother said.

The boxer's body was handed over to her family after an autopsy at the government-run Osmania General Hospital.

Amaravati was the only boxer among the 16 women at the hostel undergoing training. She was alone in her room.

A resident of Chintal locality in the city, Amaravati represented Andhra Pradesh in two national-level championships.

Last updated on Nov 4^th, 2009 at 17:33 pm IST--IANS