Two women friends found dead at Munak Canal in outer Delhi

Two women friends were found dead under mysterious circumstances at Munak Canal in outer Delhi's Begumpur area, police said today.
The deceased have been identified as Moni (26) and Nidhi (19), both residents of Rohini area, police said, adding, Moni was married with three children.
Nidhi had a motorbike, which was found parked at the bank of the canal, a few metres away from where their bodies were fished out.
Police said local residents questioned in connection with the incident told them that they suspected the two of them were "in a relationship" which their families were "not happy about".

"Locals further claimed that there were rumours about their friendship as Nidhi preferred dressing like a man and they could be spotted taking bike ride together," an official privy to the investigation said.
He further said relatives of both the victims were questioned but so far no specific reason could be ascertained to corroborate the suicide angle.

The duo died of drowning on April 19 but no suicide note was recovered by police, a senior official said, adding, an accidental drowning cannot be ruled out.
"From preliminary investigation, it seems that there is no foul play. An inquest has been initiated into the matter," DCP (Outer) Vikramjit Singh said.

On April 19, Moni's relatives lodged a missing complaint and a search was initiated. Later, the motorbike was found in Begumpur and Moni's body was first spotted on April 19. Nidhi's body was found over 24 hours later.