An elderly couple reportedly died by suicide by setting themselves ablaze inside their car near a field in Vengal on Friday. Police believe the couple took this drastic step as they were unable to cope with their 39-year-old son's drug addiction. The elderly couple were identified as Raju Thomas George (69) and Laigy Thomas (63).


The charred bodies of Raju and Laigy were discovered inside their car, which was found near a field in Vengal. The police were alerted to the blaze by a patrol team that spotted the fire from a distance.


A suicide note was recovered from their residence, revealing the couple's despair over their son's addiction. They said that they were unable to handle the drug addiction of their 39-year-old son who is currently at a private rehab centre in Idukki. The note, addressed to the police, requested that their son be admitted to a government institution for treatment. The couple also stated that their assets should be handed over to their daughter-in-law and granddaughter.


"The note was addressed to the police. They have requested to admit their son in a government institution for treatment. They have also said that their assets should be handed over to their daughter-in-law and granddaughter," a police officer told PTI.


The identity of the couple was confirmed through the registration number of the vehicle.


Locals told PTI that Raju had returned to Thiruvalla after working abroad for many years. The couple's daughter-in-law and eight-year-old granddaughter had moved out of their home due to the son's drug addiction, according to the police, as per the report.


The bodies have been sent for postmortem, and further investigation is underway.


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(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)