Tamil Nadu: Family Of 5 Found Dead In Suspected Suicide Pact Over Debt Pressures

A note was recovered from the vehicle parked along the Trichy-Karaikudi National Highway and police are investigating the possibility of financial stress.

The incident came to light after locals alerted the police after noticing the car parked in the same spot since the previous evening in Namanasamudran.

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In Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai district, a family of five was found dead in an abandoned car as a result of a suspected suicide pact. The bodies of a man, woman, two children, and an elderly woman were found inside the vehicle parked along the Trichy-Karaikudi National Highway. 

The family, hailing from Salem, was identified as Manikandan, a 50-year-old businessman, his wife Nithya, mother Saroja, and their two children, as reported by NDTV. All were residents of Salem district. The police suspect that the family consumed poison and looked themselves in the car during the suicide attempt. 

The incident came to light after locals alerted the police after noticing the car parked in the same spot since the previous evening in Namanasamudran, reported The News Minute. Upon investigation, authorities suspect that the family may have consumed poison, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed following post-mortem examinations at the Pudukkottai Government Medical College Hospital.

A note was recovered from the vehicle, and police are investigating the possibility of financial stress, particularly pressure from money lenders, as a potential motive. Manikandan, who was involved in the metal trade, reportedly faced mounting debts, which might have driven the family to take this drastic step.

In May this year, a family ended their lives over debt burden in Manali. The family of three included a man, his wife and their daughter, a student of Class 7 studying in a private school in MKB Nagar. A suicide note revealed that he took the drastic step since he was unable to repay loan. 

(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state. 

Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104. 

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)