Who was businessman Vaishak? The Bengaluru entrepreneur was found dead at Kannada actress Krishi Thapanda’s apartment in RR Nagar. Here’s what police have revealed so far about the incident, investigation, and Vaishak’s background.

New Delhi/Bengaluru: Police found 45-year-old Bengaluru businessman Vaishak, also identified in some reports as Vaishakh Upadhyaya, dead inside a rented apartment owned by Kannada actress Krishi Thapanda in Bengaluru’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) area on the night of June 24–25, 2026. Investigators have launched a probe and are treating the death as a suspected suicide while they await the final post-mortem report

What Happened

According to RR Nagar police, Vaishak was found hanging inside the flat at Elegant Terrace Apartment. He had reportedly been staying there alone for a few days; Krishi Thapanda, who had rented the apartment, was not present at the time. Police say the flat had two sets of keys — one with Vaishak and the other with the actress.

Officers were alerted around 11:30 pm when Krishi Thapanda herself called the police control room to report the incident. Investigators have since collected forensic evidence from the scene and shifted the body to Victoria Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police have also seized Vaishak’s mobile phone to examine his recent calls and messages.

Who Is Krishi Thapanda?

Krishi Thapanda is a well-known Kannada actress, model, and television personality. She gained popularity after winning the Miss Karnataka title and later appeared in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 5.

Over the years, she has worked in several Kannada films and has built a strong presence in the entertainment industry. Police have clarified that she was not at the apartment when the incident occurred.

The Final Messages

Police say Vaishak had exchanged messages with Krishi Thapanda before his death, in which he spoke about personal distress and ongoing disputes with his wife.

Reports indicate that Vaishak had lived away from his family for several days after disagreements at home. He leaves behind his wife and a 13-year-old child

According to investigators, Vaishak told the actress through these messages that he intended to end his life. Krishi Thapanda reportedly tried to talk him out of it over calls and texts, and also alerted his family members, but they were unable to reach him in time. No suicide note has been recovered from the apartment so far.

Reports of Mental Health and Personal Challenges

Investigators are examining whether personal and mental health issues may have played a role in the incident.

According to media reports, Vaishak had reportedly been dealing with emotional stress and depression for some time. Reports suggest that Vaishak faced family-related difficulties and had chosen to live separately from his wife.

Sources say he sent messages expressing emotional distress shortly before his death. After receiving those messages, Krishi Thapanda reportedly alerted his family members, but they could not reach him in time

No suicide note has been recovered from the apartment so far.

Previous Legal Controversy

Vaishak had also been in the news earlier this year in connection with an extortion case involving businessman, film producer, and advocate Aravind Venkatesh Reddy.

Police had alleged that threatening communications demanding several crores of rupees were sent as part of the dispute. The case attracted significant attention due to its alleged links to a separate harassment complaint involving Krishi Thapanda.

However, legal proceedings in that matter are still subject to judicial review, and authorities have not linked the current death investigation directly to the earlier case.

Police Investigation Continues

RR Nagar police have registered an unnatural death case based on a complaint filed by Vaishak’s father.

Forensic experts visited the apartment and collected evidence from the scene. Investigators are currently reviewing mobile phone records, digital communications, and other relevant information to establish the exact sequence of events.

Officials say they have found no signs of foul play so far, but investigators continue to examine every possible angle before reaching a final conclusion.

The post-mortem examination is being conducted at Victoria Hospital, and the final report is awaited.

Authorities Urge Public Not to Speculate

As news of the incident spread, police urged the public and media not to speculate while the investigation remains ongoing.

Investigators asked people to wait for the forensic findings and post-mortem report before drawing any conclusions about the case.

Krishi Thapanda has not yet issued an official public statement regarding the incident.

A Developing Story

The death of Vaishak has drawn significant attention across Karnataka due to its connection to a prominent actress and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Police say investigators will reveal more details after they complete the forensic analysis, examine the digital evidence, and receive the post-mortem report.

Until then, investigators continue to treat the case as a suspected suicide while keeping all legal and procedural aspects under review