Social media sensation Sonali Barik’s body found hanging in Odisha’s Baripada

The mysterious death of 18-year-old social media star & stage performer Sonali Barik sent shockwaves across Baripada town in Mayurbhanj district on Sunday. Her body was discovered hanging in her rented house under mysterious circumstances, sparking intense speculation over whether it was suicide or a more sinister act.

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According to police sources, young stage performer Sonali, aged just 18, was found hanging inside her rented house at Colony Sahi under Ward No. 23 in Baripada. The incident raised serious questions about the cause of her death, whether it was a suicide or a murder.

Local residents alerted the police, who arrived with a scientific team and began a probe, but mystery continues to surround the untimely death.

Sonali hailed from Astajharan village under Khunta police limits, not far from Baripada. She had recently returned to her rented house after spending some time in her native village. The girl, known in the region as ‘stage queen’, regularly performed at melody events to earn a living. Her sudden and tragic end has left the community in shock.

The girl’s sister has expressed suspicion that Sonali might have been murdered, hinting at a possible involvement of someone close to her. She also referred to a mysterious moment before her death when Sonali reportedly sang a romantic song and said, “Mo Hata Dhari Chalutha, Mo Saathi Hoi Rahitha (Hold my hand and walk with me, be my life partner)". The emotional lyrics now seem like a cryptic message or a cry for help.

Police are investigating all angles, but have yet to confirm whether it was suicide or foul play. For now, suspense continues to hang over Sonali’s untimely demise.

“Her (Sonali’s) legs were seen touching the ground, and her body was hanging near a bed. The windows of the room were left open. I suspect she might have been murdered. I am not sure who is behind her death. However, she used to make videos (reels) with a boy (a close male acquaintance) and upload them on Instagram. I had never asked her about it. She had kept his photo in her profile DP (display picture). I doubt him (the male friend),” the deceased’s elder cousin sister, Sridevi, expressed.