Panchkula: A nurse was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Civil Hospital, Sector 6, Panchkula, on Sunday night, with the disappearance of her mobile phone raising suspicion.The deceased, identified as Preeti Beniwal, was found unconscious in a changing room near the emergency ward and was later declared dead by doctors. A cannula was reportedly attached to one of her hands when she was discovered. While a suicide angle is being examined, police said the exact cause of death is yet to be established.Officials said Preeti’s mobile phone was switched off and missing from the spot. Efforts are underway to trace the device through technical surveillance and last-location tracking. Investigators are also probing whether any toxic substance or injection was involved.A panel of five doctors conducted the post-mortem on Monday, with a forensic expert present. “Viscera samples have been preserved and will be sent for forensic analysis to ascertain the cause of death,” said Dr R S Chauhan of the civil hospital.The incident left hospital staff in shock. Relatives described Preeti as cheerful and said she had not shown signs of distress. Police have questioned doctors and staff present in the emergency ward and are scanning CCTV footage from the hospital. Preliminary findings show that Preeti reported for duty at 2 pm on Sunday but did not return home after her shift ended at 8 pm.Originally from Hisar, Preeti joined the hospital in 2023 and was regularly posted in the emergency ward. Police said investigations are ongoing.
