PANAJI
Goa's not so happy tryst with social media influencers seems to be unending.
Now, well after the State's Tourism Department had a run-in with several influencers who it alleged were defaming Goa with unfactual claims of the State's declining tourism stature, comes the news that a popular Gujarati influencer ended her life at her Rajkot residence soon after a Goa holiday.
With 45K followers to her Instagram page, Radhika Dhamecha, known as Tofani Radha in the cyber world, allegedly committed suicide at her residence, the Instagram-based news outlet 'Our Rajkot News' reported. She was found hanging in her room at the family apartment and local police are investigating the circumstances of her death.
Another news outlet 'Gujarat Samachar' reported that Radhika had returned from a Goa trip before her tragic death.
Just 26 years of age, Dhamecha had a six-year-old son and was divorced, the report said, adding however that despite her personal life challenges, she had a lively online persona putting out engaging content which drew thousands of followers and fans.
'Our Rajkot News' reported that Dhamecha briefly called her father saying 'I am leaving' before hanging up without waiting for a response. When he (dad) rushed home, she was already dead.
Her last Instagram post was a reel she re-shared with a cryptic comment: “It’s time to decide—should I turn the page or close the book?” said the Our Rajkot News' report.
Another media report quoted Police inspector N N Patel as saying that testimonies from Dhamecha’s friends are being collected and statements from her family members will be recorded at a more suitable time once the last rites are done and their grief subsides a bit.
