Five of a family including infant found dead in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru police also rescued the toddler of one of the deceased from the residence, who is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
Five of a family found dead
Five of a family found dead
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Five members of a family, including an infant, were found dead in Bengaluru on the night of Friday, September 17. The police also rescued a young girl, a part of the family, who was unconscious at their residence. The bodies of Bharathi (51), Sinchana (35), Sindhoorani (31), Madhusagar (25) and an infant were discovered in the house under the Byadarahalli police station limits. The police said that the family died by suicide and the officials are awaiting a post mortem report. A case of unnatural death has been registered at the station.

Shankar Halagere, a journalist with a Kannada daily, lived in the house with his wife Bharathi and son Madhusagar. Their daughters, Sinchana and Sindhoorani, along with their respective children, were staying there temporarily at the time of the incident, according to the police. Sinchana’s toddler was found alive but unconscious, while the police say that Sindhoorani’s baby died of starvation. “On Sunday (September 12), Shankar and his son quarrelled, after which Shankar left home. He tried calling his family but his calls went unanswered. Upon his return he spotted his family had died by suicide and informed the police,” a police official told TNM. The post mortem will be conducted on Saturday, September 18.

The police suspect that the family died by suicide due to a feud. The official also said that Madhusagar, an engineer with a private company, had not reported to work in the last six months. Sinchana and Sindhoori had reportedly returned to their parents’ house with their children after a fight with their respective husbands. Sinchana’s toddler is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, and further investigation is underway. 

The family lived in an independent unit, which is why none of their neighbours noticed the incident, police said. Speaking to IANS, Soumendu Mukharjee, Additional Commissioner of Police (West) said that the reason for the deaths is yet to be ascertained, and that no note was recovered from the house. The ACP also said that Shankar will be interrogated when he is fit to undergo questioning.

"I worked hard to get my daughters Sinchana and Sindhoorani educated. My son Madhusagar was also an engineering graduate and worked in a private company. Sinchana had come back home after having a fight with her husband over an ear-piercing ceremony for their daughter. There were no issues regarding finances. They have taken the extreme decision on trivial issues," Shankar told IANS.

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.

Tamil Nadu

State health department's suicide helpline: 104

Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)

Andhra Pradesh

Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930

Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584

Karnataka

Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222

Kerala

Maithri: 0484 2540530

Chaithram: 0484 2361161

Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.

Telangana

State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104

Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200

SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)

Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one. 24x7 Helpline: 9820466726

(With IANS inputs)

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