Former Indian pacer Salil Ankola's mother found dead in Pune

Salil Ankola's mother found dead with her throat slit; police investigate potential suicide or foul play.

The mother of actor and former cricketer Salil Ankola, known for his roles in popular Indian horror dramas “Vikraal Gabraal” and “Sssh Koyi Hai,” has been found dead with her throat slit.

According to Indian media, the 77-year-old Mala Ashok Ankola was discovered dead on Friday, October 4, in her apartment in Pune at Prabhat Road in the Deccan Gymkhana.

Police reported that Mala Ashok's throat was cut, and the wounds suggested that she might have committed suicide by slitting her own throat.

The tragic incident came to light when Mala Ashok’s maid arrived for work at 11:30am and, upon not receiving a response at the door, alerted the family members out of concern.

When the police entered the flat, they found the actress's mother dead, with her throat slit, apparently using a kitchen knife.

Media reports indicate that Mala Ashok Ankola had been suffering from mental health issues, which may have contributed to her decision to take her own life.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandip Singh Gill stated that they discovered her body in suspicious circumstances and are investigating whether it was a natural death, suicide, or murder.

He further added that the true cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report, but the investigation is ongoing from all angles.

Notably, Salil Ankola is a familiar face in India, recognized not for his cricketing prowess but for his television appearances. He starred in shows like “Vikraal Gabraal” and “Sssh Koyi Hai” and also played a lead role in a Sanjay Dutt film.

Salil Ankola made his Test debut alongside legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in November 1989, taking two wickets in that match, but he never played another Test after that.

He was also among the players who debuted in ODIs alongside Tendulkar, but he only played 20 matches for India. Salil Ankola retired from professional cricket at the age of 28 in 1998 and then transitioned into acting in films and dramas.