Model, actress, and reality TV star Poonam Pandey passed away on Thursday night at the age of 32. While her team confirmed her death due to cervical cancer, several aspects surrounding her passing have become shrouded in speculation and unanswered questions.
Poonam's team shared the news on her official Instagram account, highlighting her commitment to work and positive spirit despite health struggles.
The statement read: “This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”
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Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry, with many expressing shock and sadness at her sudden passing.
Later, her manager spoke to a news portal, and said Poonam Pandey’s commitment to her work and her "unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles" was truly remarkable. She said Poonam's "demise will continue to remind us of the urgency to prioritise health", particularly in the case of preventable diseases like cervical cancer.
Also Read: Indian reality TV star, model Poonam Pandey passes away
Speculation abound:
- Family's Silence: Reports claim Poonam's family is unreachable, raising concerns and questions about their absence during this difficult time. There are also conflicting reports about her cause of death.
As per a media report, a source revealed that they tried to get in touch with Poonam's family, but their phones were either switched off or unreachable.
The source said: "We tried calling Poonam’s sister after our last call with her but ever since, her phone has been switched off. Not only that, but her other family members are also not reachable. We tried to get in touch with 2-3 members of Poonam’s team as well and, surprisingly, everybody’s phone is either switched off or unreachable. Hence, we are also confused at this moment.” - Conflicting Reports: Uncertainty surrounds the location of her passing, with differing reports mentioning Pune and Kanpur.
Moreover, there are some unconfirmed and unverified reports that Poonam died in Pune, while others reported that her body was in her hometown, Kanpur. - Death Rumours and Controversy: Former actor Kamaal R Khan sparked controversy by dismissing the news as a publicity stunt, while others questioned the timing and lack of family confirmation.
On the other hand, former actor and film critic Kamaal R Khan (KRK) has rejected the news of Poonam’s death, calling it a “publicity stunt”. Sharing her photo on Instagram, KRK captioned it: "Her death news is a publicity stunt. Poonam Pandey is alive.”
He also shared a video, saying Poonam was enjoying a party just a couple of days ago. - Cause of Death Speculation: While some on social media are questioning the lack of details or any family statement, a media report suggests Poonam died of a drug overdose, and not cervical cancer.
Social media users are also reacting to a video that Poonam posted on Instagram a couple of days before from a party in Goa bash, and expressing their shock at her sudden death. That was her last Instagram post.
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Reactions and Unknowns:
- Actor Sambhavna Seth, who knew Poonam personally, expressed disbelief at the news, stating she never mentioned any health issues.
Sambhavna, who participated in the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi with Poonam, told an TV channel: " I met her last year. We actually would keep meeting sometimes socially or at an event. But she never mentioned that she was going through any problems. It’s absolutely unbelievable; I still can’t digest it." - Poonam Pandey's bodyguard, Amin Khan, said he last saw her on Monday, while as per her team, she died on Thursday night.
Amin also said that the model “never mentioned her illness to him or any of her staff” and added that Poonam's family, including her sister, are not his answering calls.
"I last left madam (Poonam Pandey) on January 29; we had a photo shoot with Rohit Verma (fashion designer) in Mumbai. After that, I dropped her home. She never mentioned any illness to me or any staff… We went home, but the watchman refused to let anyone in."
Looking Ahead:
As authorities investigate and more information emerges, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for the deceased and her family. The lingering questions and conflicting reports require further clarification to provide a complete picture of the tragic event.
