Hisar: A 55-year-old man died under mysterious circumstances in Lohgarh village of Sirsa district, with police launching an investigation after relatives spotted rope marks around his neck while preparing the body for cremation. The family had initially treated the death as natural and was taking the body for cremation when relatives raised the alarm and stopped the last rites. The deceased has been identified as Manphool Ram (55).He was originally from Lakhuwali in Pilibanga and had been living with his wife and children at his in-laws’ home in Lohgarh for the past several years. According to the family, Manphool Ram had two sons and two daughters and was allegedly in the habit of consuming alcohol. On Monday evening, he reportedly returned home after purchasing liquor and went to his room. His wife slept on a cot outside the rooms, while one of their sons and a daughter had gone to a temple.Around 11pm, when the children returned home, they allegedly found Manphool Ram unconscious on a cot. The family informed relatives on Tuesday morning and began preparations for the cremation. The situation changed when relatives noticed rope-like marks around his neck while bathing the body. They questioned the family members, who reportedly said they had no knowledge of him having hanged himself. Suspecting foul play, the relatives stopped the cremation and informed the police.The body was taken into police custody near a temple and shifted to the mortuary of the sub-divisional hospital for postmortem examination. The deceased’s four sisters—Guddi, Santro, Roshni and Kirna—and other relatives have raised suspicion of murder. Police are questioning the deceased’s sons and recording statements.Police said a call was received through Dial 112 after the body was stopped near the temple. Police have taken the body into custody and are recording statements. Further action will be taken after the postmortem report, the police said.