Suspended Andhra Professor Found Dead Inside Parked Car, Police Probe Underway

The decomposed body of Dr. V. Sardar Gugloth, a 40-year-old associate professor at Sri Venkateswara University's College of Commerce, Management, and Computer Science, was discovered inside a locked car near the Alipiri entry gate to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple complex on December 27, 2025. Local residents alerted the police after noticing a strong foul odor emanating from the parked vehicle, prompting officers from Tirupati West Police Station to break open the door and recover the body. Dr. Gugloth, who had been suspended from his position earlier, was found in an advanced state of decomposition, indicating he may have passed away several days prior to the discovery.

According to preliminary police statements, the professor appears to have died some time ago, with the exact cause of death to be determined only after a detailed post-mortem examination. The body was shifted to a government hospital in Tirupati for autopsy, and further investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage, including suicide, natural causes, or foul play, though no suicide note or immediate signs of external injury were reported from the scene. The car was parked in a relatively isolated area near the busy pilgrimage route, which may have delayed its detection.

Dr. Gugloth was a faculty member in the commerce department of Sri Venkateswara University, a prominent institution in the region known for its academic contributions and proximity to the sacred Tirumala temple. His suspension from service, the reasons for which have not been publicly detailed in initial reports, had reportedly occurred some time before the incident. Colleagues and university officials have expressed shock at the tragic development, describing him as a dedicated educator, while the academic community awaits more clarity on the events leading to his death.

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The discovery has drawn attention to the need for greater vigilance in public and semi-public spaces, especially in high-footfall areas like pilgrimage zones. Police have launched a thorough inquiry, including examination of the vehicle's ownership details, last known movements of the professor, and possible interactions or stressors he may have faced following his suspension. As the post-mortem results are awaited, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the personal challenges that can sometimes go unnoticed, even among those in respected professional roles. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

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