Udupi, July 1: Sandeep Salian (40), a businessman from Malpe and a former close associate of former minister and BJP leader Pramod Madhwaraj, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a guest house near Calangute Beach in Goa on Tuesday.

Sandeep, who had earlier served as Pramod Madhwaraj’s personal aide, had stepped away from active political involvement several years ago. In recent years, he was engaged in the tourism sector and is reported to have owned and operated a tourist boat in Malpe.

According to sources, Sandeep had travelled to Goa on a leisure trip about three days ago. His unexpected death has sparked speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, with questions being raised over whether he suffered a heart attack or if there may have been other factors involved.

Authorities have launched an inquiry, and the exact cause of death will be determined following further investigation and the post-mortem examination. More details are awaited.