Panchkula, May 26 — In a chilling reminder of the 2018 Burari incident in Delhi, seven members of a family allegedly died by suicide late Monday night in Panchkula, Haryana. The deceased include Praveen Mittal (42), his wife, their three children (one son and two daughters), and Praveen’s elderly parents. All were found in an unconscious state inside a car parked near a vacant plot in Sector 27.
Police say the family is suspected to have consumed poison inside the vehicle. By the time emergency services arrived and rushed them to a private hospital in Sector 26, six were declared dead on arrival. Praveen, the lone survivor, was referred to Sector 6 Civil Hospital in critical condition but succumbed during treatment.
Police Suspect Financial Distress as Trigger
Preliminary investigations point to financial distress as a possible reason for the alleged suicide. According to sources close to the family, Praveen Mittal was struggling with mounting debts. He had recently started a tour and travel business in Dehradun, which reportedly failed, further deepening the family’s financial woes.
The family was residing in Panchkula in a rented accommodation. Personal belongings such as school bags, food items, and clothing were found in the car, suggesting the act may have been premeditated.
Police Investigation Underway
Panchkula DCP Himadri Kaushik, DCP (Crime) Amit Dahiya, and local police reached the scene soon after the incident was reported around 12:15 AM. Crime scene and forensic teams also examined the vehicle, which bore an Uttarakhand registration number.
Speaking to the media, DCP Kaushik said, “While it appears to be a case of collective suicide due to financial stress, the investigation is ongoing. We are talking to relatives and analyzing evidence collected from the scene.”
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the region, reviving painful memories of similar incidents rooted in economic despair. Authorities have appealed for public sensitivity and patience as the full picture emerges.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
