THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Panchkula, May 27: In a suspected suicide pact driven by financial distress, six members of a family were found dead in a parked car in Panchkula’s Sector 27 late Mondayday night, while a seventh died later in the hospital. The tragedy unfolded when a local resident noticed the vehicle—bearing a Dehradun number plate—with a towel hanging out of one of its doors and decided to investigate.
The local resident discovered the car unlocked and spoke briefly with the only surviving member at the time—later identified as Praveen Mittal, 41—who was struggling to breathe. Mittal initially said that the family had failed to secure hotel accommodation after attending a Bageshwar Dham event and had chosen to sleep in the vehicle. However, when the local flashed his torch inside, he saw six lifeless bodies piled on top of one another with vomit around them, prompting further concern.
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The local resident said that after being offered water, Mittal admitted that his family had consumed poison and that he too was about to die. Moments later, he collapsed; and Mittal also revealed the family was burdened with heavy debt and expressed frustration that their wealthy relatives refused to help.
By the time the police arrived—promptly informed by a crowd that had gathered—six of the victims were rushed to a private hospital and one to the civil hospital. Unfortunately, all seven were declared dead.
The deceased include Mittal, his wife, their three children (including twin daughters), and his elderly parents. Preliminary findings suggest poisoning as the cause of death.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Panchkula) Himadree Kaushik confirmed that early evidence points to suicide, though a full investigation is underway. Meanwhile, DCP (Crime) Amit Dahiya said police are reviewing CCTV footage, speaking to nearby residents, and examining the family’s social media and bank transaction history to understand the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of lives.
