Seven members of a Dehradun-based family, including three children, were found dead inside a locked car in Panchkula, Haryana, late Monday night in an alleged mass suicide after allegedly consuming poison. Police recovered a suicide note allegedly citing severe financial distress and mounting debts as the motive behind this tragic act.
The deceased have been identified as Praveen Mittal (42), his parents, wife, two daughters, and a son. Senior police officials, including DCP Himadri Kaushik and DCP Amit Dahiya, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with post-mortem examinations underway to allegedly confirm the cause of death and gather further evidence.
A Family’s Final Journey Ends in Tragedy: The Incident Unfolded in Panchkula
The heartbreaking incident allegedly took place in Sector 27, Panchkula, where concerned locals noticed a locked car parked suspiciously on the roadside late Monday night. Upon being alerted, police teams reportedly forced open the vehicle and found all seven family members lifeless inside.
The family, residents of Dehradun, had allegedly travelled to Panchkula to attend a Hanuman Katha programme at Bageshwar Dham, a religious event they regularly participated in. According to police statements, the family allegedly consumed poison inside the car, leading to their untimely deaths.
DSP Panchkula Himadri Kaushik stated, “Our forensic team has reached the spot. We are scanning the car thoroughly to understand the reasons behind the incident. Some facts that have emerged primarily indicate that this is a matter of suicide.” The police are also exploring all angles to rule out any foul play.
Debt and Despair: The Road to the Unthinkable
Preliminary investigations allegedly reveal that the family was under severe financial distress, grappling with mounting debts that they could no longer manage. A suicide note was recovered from the vehicle, which reportedly detailed their struggles and cited financial difficulties as the primary reason for their drastic decision. However, the full contents of the note have not been disclosed publicly as the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are in the process of contacting the family’s extended relatives to gather more information and provide support. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations at a local hospital, which will allegedly provide conclusive evidence regarding the cause of death. DCP Amit Dahiya emphasised, “It is too early to reach any conclusion.
Investigations are in progress, and we are trying to get in touch with their kin to complete the inquest and other formalities.” The incident has deeply shocked the local community, highlighting the silent struggles many families face.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic event is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact financial hardship and mental health struggles can have on families. It underscores the urgent need for accessible, compassionate support systems that can intervene before despair leads to irreversible decisions.
As a society, we must break the stigma surrounding mental health and financial difficulties, encouraging open dialogue and empathy. It is crucial to build networks of support where individuals and families feel safe reaching out for help without fear of judgement or shame.
How can we, as a community, strengthen these support systems and foster an environment where no one feels so overwhelmed by their circumstances that they see no way out?
