A 30-year-old IT engineer was found dead in his rented flat in Pune’s Wadgaon Sheri area, with police investigating whether an electric hot water bag placed under his neck while he slept may have caused an electrical shock. The cause of death has not been established, and police are awaiting the post-mortem report and examination of the device.
The deceased was identified as Rohan Kubadi, who lived alone in a rented flat in Somnath Nagar. According to the report, he had moved into the accommodation around three months ago. His body was found after the landlord noticed a foul smell coming from the flat and became concerned when Kubadi did not respond to phone calls.
The landlord subsequently opened the flat and found Kubadi dead on the bed. His body is believed to have remained inside the premises for about two days before the incident was discovered.
Personnel from Chandan Nagar Police Station visited the location after receiving information about the death and began an investigation. Preliminary information indicated that an electric hot water bag was found under Kubadi’s neck. He is believed to have been using it for pain relief while sleeping.
Police suspect that an electrical fault in the device may have contributed to the death. However, that remains an investigative possibility rather than a confirmed finding. The post-mortem examination is expected to help establish the medical cause of death, while the electric hot water bag is also being examined for any fault or damage.
Electric hot water bags are commonly used to relieve neck pain, backache and abdominal discomfort. Unlike traditional hot water bottles, rechargeable heating bags contain electrical components that can malfunction or become unsafe if damaged or used improperly. The incident has therefore drawn attention to the need for caution when using such devices, particularly while sleeping.
The report does not establish whether the device was defective, improperly used or directly responsible for Kubadi’s death. The final cause will depend on the findings of the medical examination and the police investigation. Further conclusions are expected after the post-mortem report and technical examination of the hot water bag are completed.
