Haldwani, Oct. 19 -- A 38-year-old man died late Friday night allegedly after sustaining a gunshot wound below his ear at a restaurant near Kainchi Dham in Bhowali area of Nainital district, police said, adding that they suspect it to be a suicide. According to Bhowali inspector Prakash Singh said, the deceased was a resident of Betalghat and used to live at the restaurant he was employed at. A preliminary probe revealed that the deceased spoke to someone over the phone around midnight, after which he went to a room in the restaurant, Singh said, adding, "Shortly after, a gunshot was heard from inside the room. The restaurant owner immediately informed the police, who reached the spot, took the body into custody, and sealed the room. A pistol belonging to the hotel owner was recovered from the scene." Police said the forensic team has collected evidence from the site. "Prima facie, it appears to be a case of self-inflicted gunshot injury. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after autopsy report. No formal complaint has been received so far. The matter is under investigation," the inspector said. htc...