Chandigarh’s iconic Rose Garden, usually a serene retreat for locals and tourists alike, became the site of a grim discovery on Saturday, November 29, 2025. What began as a regular afternoon quickly turned into a scene of horror when visitors heard a piercing scream from the women’s toilet complex around 3:15 pm. Upon investigation, they discovered a 30-year-old woman lying motionless, with a deep gash on her neck. Despite being rushed to a government hospital located just meters from the garden, the woman was declared dead shortly after arrival.

The victim was later identified as Diksha Thakur, a resident of Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities confirmed her identity through documents found on her person, including an application form related to the Bihar Staff Selection Commission. According to Chandigarh Police, Diksha had been separated from her husband for nearly a year and was the mother of a three-year-old son. She had been staying in Mohali’s Phase 11 as a paying guest for the past four months while working as a customer care executive with Chaupal TV, a private media and OTT company based in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area, Phase 2.

The Events Leading Up to the Tragedy

Investigators have been trying to piece together Diksha’s movements on the day of her death. She had been on medical leave for over a week due to anxiety and other health concerns. Earlier that week, she reportedly visited a hospital in Panchkula, Haryana, accompanied by her brother-in-law, where she was prescribed anti-anxiety medication. On Saturday, after returning from leave, Diksha left work early, around 2 pm, citing that she was feeling unwell. She then reportedly visited the Rose Garden.

Security footage from the area and her call records are currently under scrutiny as the police attempt to reconstruct the sequence of events. Notably, the staff deployed at the toilet complex was absent at the time, meaning there were no direct eyewitnesses to the incident. Passersby who heard the screams had asked another woman present nearby to check inside the toilet. She reportedly found Diksha lying on the floor, soaked in blood, with the apparent knife wound to her throat. Though still breathing faintly, Diksha succumbed to her injuries within moments.

The Scene and Initial Investigations

The forensics team, upon arriving at the scene, recovered a four-inch kitchen knife near the body. A preliminary examination of the area did not immediately reveal signs of a struggle or forced entry, leaving authorities uncertain whether the incident was a homicide or a suicide. Investigators also discovered anti-depressant medication in Diksha’s bag, suggesting she had been dealing with mental health challenges.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur emphasized that, at this stage, the police had not found definitive evidence of foul play. “We are examining every possible angle, including personal, circumstantial, and psychological factors. The post-mortem report and forensic analysis will be crucial in determining the exact cause of death,” she said.

To ensure safety in the area and facilitate the investigation, the toilet complex has been sealed, and security has been intensified at Rose Garden. This park, a major attraction in Chandigarh, is frequented by elderly residents, women, and children. Authorities have also appealed to the public to remain calm while investigations continue.

Understanding the Victim’s Background

Diksha’s personal and professional life has become a focal point in the ongoing investigation. Living away from her family as a paying guest, she was navigating the challenges of separation from her husband while raising a young child. Her colleagues described her as diligent in her work, and her medical leave due to anxiety highlights the psychological pressures she may have been facing.

Mental health experts note that anxiety and depression can significantly impact an individual’s decision-making and coping mechanisms. In cases such as this, where self-harm cannot be ruled out, understanding the victim’s mental health history becomes critical. Authorities have stated that forensic examinations, including toxicology reports, will provide further insights into whether the anti-anxiety medication she was prescribed played any role in her behavior that day.

Unanswered Questions

Several questions remain unanswered in this tragic case. Why did Diksha choose to go to the Rose Garden, and why specifically to the women’s toilet complex? Was there any external factor or person involved, or was this act carried out alone? With the absence of staff and eyewitnesses, investigators are relying heavily on CCTV footage from surrounding areas, phone records, and forensic evidence to uncover the truth.

While a knife was recovered at the scene, its origin and whether it was brought by Diksha herself or someone else are still unclear. Forensic experts will examine fingerprints, DNA traces, and other clues to determine the sequence of events leading to her death.

Public Safety Measures and Community Impact

The incident has sparked concern among visitors to public spaces in Chandigarh, particularly women and elderly individuals who frequent parks like the Rose Garden. Authorities have responded by sealing the toilet complex and increasing security patrols in the park. The police have also urged visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Local community members expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Rose Garden, typically known for its peaceful environment, became the backdrop of a tragedy that has left residents and visitors grappling with fear and uncertainty. Mental health professionals have reminded the public that such incidents underscore the importance of awareness, early intervention, and support systems for those facing emotional and psychological stress.

Resources for Mental Health Support

Discussing suicide and self-harm can be difficult and triggering, but experts emphasize that these tragedies are often preventable. Mental health support and timely intervention can save lives. Authorities and NGOs provide helplines for individuals experiencing emotional distress:

• Sumaitri (Delhi-based): 011-23389090
• Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based): 044-24640050

Families and friends of individuals struggling with mental health challenges are encouraged to seek professional help, maintain open communication, and provide emotional support.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The Chandigarh Police have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. This includes post-mortem examination, forensic analysis, review of CCTV footage, examination of Diksha’s phone records, and interviews with family members, colleagues, and neighbors. The objective is to determine whether the death was the result of foul play or self-inflicted injury, and to ensure that all circumstances surrounding the incident are clearly understood.

SSP Kanwardeep Kaur reiterated that the police were exploring all possibilities. “We are leaving no stone unturned in understanding what led to this tragic outcome. The findings of the post-mortem and forensic team will guide us in reaching a conclusive determination,” she said.

As Chandigarh mourns this untimely loss, the focus remains on understanding the factors behind Diksha’s death and ensuring that public spaces remain safe for all visitors. The case also serves as a reminder of the broader issues surrounding mental health, stress, and the importance of timely intervention to prevent such tragedies.