A 55-year-old doctor was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his house in Koppa village in the taluk on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Dileep, who was running a private clinic in Kushalnagar.

Dileep was found dead with his hands and legs tied with a rope, raising suspicion of a murder. The Bylakuppe and Periyapatna police visited the spot.

According to the police, the miscreants, in the disguise of patients might have gained entry into his house and killed him. Chilli powder was found on the walls and floor of the house.

His hands were found twisted and tied with a rope. Adhesive plaster was found stuck on his mouth and face, resulting in his death, suspect the police.

Dr Dileep was not married and was living alone, sources said.

The family members of Dileep have lodged a police complaint. The Bylakuppe police are conducting a probe. SP Amit Singh visited the spot.

Fingerprint experts and dog squad were pressed into service.