Retired deputy engineer in RMC, wife die by suicide, illness cited in note

A retired deputy engineer of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) and his wife allegedly died by suicide after consuming poisonous medicine at their home in Rajkot, police said.

The deceased were identified as Rajendrabhai Mohanbhai Lakhtariya (70) and his wife Pannaben (66), residents of Bhidbhanjan Society near Gopal Chowk on University Road. The incident came to light late at night when the couple was found unconscious and rushed to a private hospital, where they were admitted to the ICU. Rajendrabhai died early the next morning, while Pannaben passed away a few hours later.

Gandhigram-2 police reached the hospital and recovered a suicide note from the residence. Preliminary investigation suggests the couple took the step due to prolonged health issues.

In the note, the couple reportedly mentioned suffering from multiple ailments, including diabetes, blood pressure, insomnia, eye and ear problems, mental distress, and fears related to Alzheimer’s and cancer. They stated that their decision was taken after enduring long-term illness.

The note also expressed gratitude towards their children and daughter-in-law for their care and mentioned that they had no pending debts. Police said the couple lived with their divorced daughter, a school teacher, while their son resides in Valsad.

Further investigation is under way.