Unfolding Tragedy in Kasaragod
The recent events in Kasaragod, Kerala, surrounding the death of social media influencer Chinnu Pappu (real name Reshma), aged 24, have raised significant public interest and prompted a police investigation. Pappu, who had gained substantial popularity for her content showcasing rural life and local culture, was found deceased in her rented accommodation. The circumstances of her death and the subsequent discovery of another individual, Sandesh, found dead after being questioned by police, form the core of this inquiry.

Timeline of Events and Key Individuals
Chinnu Pappu, known for her engaging videos in the Kasaragod dialect, amassed over 200,000 followers on Instagram. Her content focused on regional cuisine, village life, and cultural aspects of the area. She was found deceased on February 9th in her rented home in the Choori area of Kasaragod. Police registered a case of unnatural death, initially suspecting suicide.
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February 9th: Chinnu Pappu is discovered deceased in her rented quarters.
Subsequent days: Police initiate an investigation, examining her phone and personal belongings. Her brother, Ratheesh, found her hanging. Reports indicate she had recently ended a marital relationship.
Around February 12th: Sandesh, an individual who had been summoned by the police for questioning as part of the probe into Pappu's death, is found dead in his residence. Police confirmed he had been questioned and allowed to leave after his statement was recorded. He was found hanging.
Evidence and Official Findings
Information from various reports outlines key findings:

Cause of Death: The initial post-mortem report indicated no foul play, with no evidence of assault or external injuries. Viscera samples were sent for chemical analysis to determine if any toxic substances were involved.
Personal Circumstances: Reports suggest Reshma had ended a marital relationship a few months prior to her death. Some sources mention she had a four-year-old son, while others do not. Her family, including her father Gangadharan, expressed doubts about the circumstances of her death, stating she appeared happy during recent interactions.
Sandesh's Involvement: Sandesh was summoned by police as part of their investigation into Pappu's death. He was reportedly engaged in door polishing work. His death by hanging occurred approximately two hours after he had been questioned and released by the authorities.
Exploring Chinnu Pappu's Life and Online Presence
Chinnu Pappu, or Reshma, built a significant online following through her authentic portrayal of rural life.
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Content Focus: Her videos featured local food, village culture, and daily life, often in the Kasaragod dialect and Tulu language.
Follower Count: She had amassed over 200,000 followers on Instagram, demonstrating considerable reach and influence within her region.
Last Post: Her final Instagram post, shared six days before her death, showed a local leafy vegetable. Followers remembered her for her composed demeanor and storytelling.
The Unexplained Demise of Sandesh
The death of Sandesh, who was questioned by police regarding Chinnu Pappu's case, adds a complex layer to the unfolding events.
Discovery: Sandesh was found hanging inside his residence on February 12th, a few hours after being questioned by police in connection with Pappu's death.
Police Interaction: Authorities confirmed he was summoned as part of the ongoing probe and was allowed to leave after his statement was recorded.
Inquest Proceedings: Police reached Sandesh's residence upon receiving information and completed inquest proceedings.
Family Doubts and Official Stance
While police investigations are ongoing, Chinnu Pappu's family has voiced concerns.
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Father's Statement: Chinnu Pappu's father, Gangadharan, stated she seemed happy during her last call home, questioning the circumstances of her death.
Family's Call: The family is seeking a thorough investigation into the events leading to her demise.
Police Approach: Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating potential links to her personal life, while also awaiting forensic reports.
Expert and Community Perspectives
The rapid spread of news about Chinnu Pappu's death prompted widespread reactions online and within the community.
Social Media Reaction: Tributes poured in from followers who remembered her engaging content and relatable portrayal of rural life.
Community Impact: The news created a wave of grief among her fans, highlighting her popularity as a regional social media personality.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The Kasaragod police are investigating the deaths of both Chinnu Pappu and Sandesh. While the post-mortem report for Chinnu Pappu has ruled out foul play, the final conclusion awaits the chemical analysis report. The circumstances surrounding Sandesh's death, occurring shortly after his interaction with police in connection with Pappu's case, remain a subject of scrutiny. The investigation is focusing on all available evidence and statements to ascertain the full picture of these tragic events.
Key Sources
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/social-media-influencer-chinnu-pappus-death-man-questioned-found-dead-in-kasaragod/article70635038.ece - Provides details on Sandesh's death after questioning.
India TV News: https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/news/chinnu-pappu-social-media-influencer-found-dead-in-kasaragod-police-begin-probe-2026-02-09-1029531 - Introduces Chinnu Pappu and the initial police probe.
Mathrubhumi: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/social-media-influencer-chinnu-pappu-found-dead-probe-underway-hsatgn42 - Details discovery of body by brother and previous marital status.
Livemint: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/kerala-influencer-chinnu-pappu-24-found-dead-at-rented-house-suicide-suspected-11770650520574.html - Reports on suspected suicide and details of her last Instagram post.
The Financial Express: https://www.financialexpress.com/trending/who-is-chinnu-pappu-social-media-influencer-found-dead-in-kerala-police-probe-underway/4136943/ - Covers her popularity and content style, along with marital status.
The News Minute: https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/kerala-social-media-influencer-chinnu-papu-found-dead - Mentions police investigation and provides helpline numbers.
The Hindu (Post-mortem report): https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/post-mortem-report-rules-out-foul-play-in-social-media-influencer-chinnu-pappus-death/article70614869.ece - Details findings of the post-mortem report and pending chemical analysis.
Mathrubhumi (Father's statement): https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/chinnu-pappu-father-says-she-was-happy-when-called-home-c7724q7p - Features the father's doubts about her death.
News18: https://www.news18.com/india/who-was-chinnu-pappu-kerala-influencer-found-dead-weeks-after-divorce-ws-l-9890987.html - Mentions divorce and survival of a child.
The Logical Indian: https://thelogicalindian.com/kerala-influencer-chinnu-pappu-24-found-dead-in-kasaragod-police-probe-suspected-suicide/ - Reports on suspected suicide and community memories.
Inshorts: https://inshorts.com/en/ampnews/influencer-chinnu-pappu-found-dead-in-kerala—suicide-suspected-1770645800587 - Concise report on death and suspected suicide.
Moneycontrol: https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/who-was-influencer-chinnu-pappu-aka-reshma-24-year-old-found-dead-weeks-after-divorce-survived-by-4-year-old-child-article-13820014.html - Details about her personal life, including divorce and child.
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