Surat mass suicide that shook the entire state on Oct 28, has led to the arrest of an accused named Inderpal Sharma, a 42-year-old business partner of Manish Solanki, the deceased.

The complaint was filed by Ghanshyam Parmar, brother-in-law of deceased Manish Solanki, against Inderpal Sharma. Inderpal is  accused of pressuring Manish over financial dues and arrested under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The suicide of seven people of the same family, including three children, came to light in Surat on Oct 28. The initial investigation hinted at the financial crunch as the reason for suicide.

Suicide or murder?

A fortnight before the incident, Manish called up Parmar, informing him that Inderpal was pressuring him for a loan. He also said that Inderpal has his motorcycle. Manish seemed worried and wanted to meet Parmar.

Inderpal and the deceased Manish had entered a business partnership.

The goods of ply hardware, owned by Inderpal, were supplied to Manish, and both parties decided to equally share 5% of the profit from the joint venture.

However, there was a pressure of paying ₹20 lakh on Manish for the goods before Diwali by Inderpal, the second suicide note stated.

Adajan police inspector R B Gojiya arrested Inderpal on Nov 9.

The assistant public prosecutor, Shitalsinh Dhakar, said that it is yet to be established why the accused had sold material to Manish at higher rates than market.

The accused is under a two day remand.

The distressing incident occurred on Oct 28, when the bodies of seven people, including three children, were recovered in an apartment in Surat along with a suicide note.

(Source: IANS)

-Edited for style

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