Two dead, two critical after family’s alleged suicide attempt over debt in Bengaluru

Two members of a family died while two others were critically injured after an alleged suicide attempt driven by mounting debt in Karnataka’s Anekal taluk (Bengaluru), police said on Sunday.

The incident reportedly took place in Mallenahalli near Attibele between 10 and 10.30 pm on Saturday, they said.

The deceased Asha (55) and her daughter Varshitha (32) died on the spot. Mohan M R (26) and his 11-year-old nephew, Mayank, sustained severe injuries and were admitted to a private hospital in Attibele, where they are undergoing treatment.

As per reports, the family had recorded a video before the incident, stating that they were unable to cope with pressure from creditors and were taking the extreme step. The video was later shared with relatives.

Neighbours, alerted by distressing sounds from the house, found the door locked from the inside. They broke it open and discovered two members unresponsive, while the other two were found seriously injured.

The injured were immediately rushed to hospital, and police were informed. Relatives also reached the house after learning about the video.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Mohan, who was involved in a chit fund business and was under financial stress, may have attacked the other family members with a knife before attempting to harm himself in a similar manner.

Police said both survivors suffered grievous injuries and are receiving emergency medical care.

Further inquiry revealed that Varshitha had been battling a brain tumour for over a year and a half, and the family had incurred substantial debt for her treatment, in addition to financial losses in the chit fund business.

A case has been registered at Attibele police station in Bengaluru Rural district, and further investigation is under way.