A 51-year-old British national was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room in Central Delhi's crowded Paharganj in the wee hours of Monday. Identified as Stephen James, his semi decomposed body was recovered from Krishna Cottage around 3 am on Monday. Victim's body has been sent for post-mortem.
"A call was made to the police control room (PCR) by the hotel staff after they noticed that the door of the room was locked from inside and nauseating stench was emanating from the room. James was last seen by the staff on Saturday evening. Inquest proceedings are going on. Till now no suspicion is found so the possibility of murder has been ruled out," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central District, Alok Kumar.
The incident was reported from Central Delhi's Paharganj area on Monday. James had checked-in at the hotel on July 3. On July 6, he had gone to speak to the Hotel manager as he had to clear some dues. He told the manager that he would clear the dues later as he was sick. He was at the hotel room on Sunday. The staff assumed him to be sleeping but when foul smell started emanating from the room on Sunday night, the hotel staff informed the police. The police officials rushed to the Hotel and broke open the door.
James was found lying in the room clad in a towel. The rigor mortis had has already set in and the body was decomposing fast. It appeared that James had consumed alcohol as a bottle and a glass were found on the table in his room. All his valuables including Indian Currency, mobile phone and other items were intact and untouched.
James was staying in room number-102 at the hotel. The British Embassy has been informed by the police, a Central district official added.