Kamal Ghorui
BENGALURU: Four members of a family allegedly attempted suicide, reportedly driven to desperation by mounting debts, officials said on Sunday.Two of them died, while the other two are battling for life in hospital. The incident occurred in Mallenahalli near Attibele in Anekal taluk between 10 pm and 10.30 pm on Saturday. Relatives alleged that sustained harassment by creditors may have pushed the family to take the extreme step. The deceased have been identified as Asha (55) and her daughter Varshitha (32), who died on the spot. Mohan MR (26) and his nephew, 11-year-old Mayank, were found critically injured and were rushed to a private hospital in Attibele, where they are currently undergoing treatment. According to police, the family had recorded a video before the incident, stating that they were unable to bear the pressure from lenders and were therefore taking the extreme step. The video was shared with relatives. Neighbours who reportedly heard distressing sounds gathered at the house and found the main door locked from inside. They broke open the door and found Asha and Varshitha dead, while Mohan and Mayank were screaming in pain. The neighbours immediately rushed the injured to hospital and simultaneously alerted the police. Alarmed by the video, relatives also rushed to the house, where they found Asha and Varshitha unresponsive. Preliminary investigation by police suggests that Mohan, who was involved in a chit fund business and was overwhelmed by financial distress, may have attacked Asha, Varshitha and Mayank with a knife and slit their throats before attempting to take his own life in a similar manner. Police said both survivors suffered severe injuries and are undergoing emergency medical care. Further inquiries revealed that Varshitha had been battling a brain tumour for over a year and a half and was reportedly in critical condition. The family had incurred significant debt for her treatment, along with losses in the chit fund business, which may have contributed to the distress. A case has been registered at Attibele police station in Bengaluru Rural district, and further investigation is underway.
