Renuka Harshwardhan Likhite, a 25-year-old flautist from Indore, was found dead in her hostel room at a cultural institute in Mulshi, Pune district, on April 6. The Pune Rural police are investigating her suspected suicide, which they believe was influenced by fraudsters who extorted money from her under the guise of performing black magic rituals. Likhite, a second-year Master of Arts student in Music (Flute), reportedly contacted these individuals through an Instagram advertisement. They allegedly coerced her into paying ₹74,400 (approximately $900 USD) by creating fear and psychological pressure, threatening harm to her and her family if she did not comply. Following her death, the police registered a case of abetment to suicide and invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. Initial post-mortem findings indicate suicide, and investigators are working to uncover the identities of the suspects and whether they have targeted other victims.