Monika matches Marilyn Monroe in death

PANAJI: The inclement weather on Saturday aptly mirrored the gloom that had enveloped Sapana Raj Valley, the housing society where perfumer Monika Ghurde was living and found murdered.
The balcony of the sealed off flat showcases a life size portrait of American model Marilyn Monroe, who ironically, was found dead in her flat 54 years ago, naked by her maid. While Monroe committed suicide, Monika’s case is still a mystery with police working on several leads.
“She was a polite woman and had shifted here only three months ago. I saw her daily and she used to ask about my well being whenever we met,” a gardener who worked in the society told STOI, adding that she had never heard anything ill about India’s leading perfume designer.
Although most of the people living in the society chose not to speak about the incident, a few expressed that the incident looks like an insider’s job.
“I came at around two in the night on Thursday and saw five, six cops in the compound. Later in the morning everyone got to know about what has happened. From whatever rumors we have heard so far, it looks like the murderer knew her,” a resident of the society said, stating that although the matter has not been discussed among the neighbors, everyone is scared.
“My wife is scared and shocked over how someone could come in, conduct such a crime and walk out without getting noticed or stopped. Security measures in the complex can’t be termed up to the mark as there are no CCTVs installed,” he added.
Similar concerns were raised by a member of the security agency which takes care of the society’s security.
“One guard handles around three blocks of apartments. There are no CCTV cameras here and the security cabin doesn’t have a landline to immediately inform anyone. If someone comes tomorrow it’s better to hide yourself rather than risking your life,” a person who works in the society said on conditions of anonymity.
The parameters of the society complex where the murder took place are hardly four to five feet tall without any barbed wires with construction work going on in nearby complexes.