Family of seven dies by suicide in Panchkula, financial struggles suspected

Panchkula: Seven members of a family were discovered dead in a car near a residence in Sector 27, Panchkula, Haryana. Authorities suspect the tragedy to be a case of collective suicide due to financial hardships, with poisoning as the likely cause.

Police reports indicate that the family, originally from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, had travelled to Panchkula for a spiritual gathering at Bageshwar Dham.

The deceased were identified as 42-year-old Praveen Mittal, his parents, his wife, and their three children—two daughters and a son.

Preliminary reports suggest that the tragic incident took place on Sunday as the family was returning to Dehradun following the conclusion of the five-day Hanuman Katha at a spiritual centre.

While searching for a hotel near Sector 27, Praveen Mittal allegedly made the drastic decision to consume poison along with his family, according to sources.

Local residents were the first to spot the family inside a parked car, appearing unwell and in distress. Alarmed by the sight, they immediately alerted the police.

Upon arrival, officers forcibly opened the vehicle’s doors in an urgent attempt to rescue the unconscious family members.

Authorities suspect that the family, who had previously resided in Chandigarh, died by suicide.

All seven members were discovered inside the same vehicle, with the rear windscreen covered by a towel, according to Additional Commissioner of Police Vikram Nehra.

Upon being transported to a nearby hospital in Panchkula, only the father was found to be breathing, but he succumbed to his condition during treatment.

Police have launched a full investigation to ascertain the circumstances.

Speaking on the issue, DCP (Pandhkula) Himadri Kaushik, who visited the crime scene, said that they have received information that six people had been brought to Ojas Hospital. “When we reached there, we found out that they are all dead. Another person was brought to the Civil Hospital, Sector 6; he has also been declared dead. Prima facie, it looks like a matter of suicide. All the investigating officers are at the spot. All of the deceased are family members,” she said.

Sources indicate that a suicide note was discovered inside the car, reportedly written by the head of the family. The note cited overwhelming financial debt and pressure as the primary reasons behind the tragic decision.

Forensic experts are currently analysing the note, along with other materials recovered from the scene, to verify its authenticity and contextual significance.

The police said one of the victims, Praveen Mittal, was running a tour and travel business in Dehradun. He suffered significant financial losses, and this might have led him to take the extreme step along with his family.

(inputs from IANS)