What Led to the Family's Desperate Suicide Attempt in Bengal?

Synopsis
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Chandannagar, West Bengal, where a family of three attempted suicide due to severe financial distress. Tragically, the mother did not survive. This story sheds light on the devastating impact of economic hardship on mental health, urging society to take notice.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic suicide attempt highlights financial crisis.
- Mental health support is vital in times of distress.
- Community awareness can help prevent similar incidents.
- Police investigation underway to understand circumstances.
- Importance of fostering open discussions about financial hardships.
Kolkata, June 6 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, three family members—a husband, wife, and their sole daughter—attempted to take their own lives by ingesting large amounts of sleeping pills in Chandannagar, located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
Sadly, the mother, Sunita Das (83), was pronounced dead. The father, Ekendranath Das (87), and their daughter, Sharmishtha Das (43), are currently receiving medical care at a nearby hospital in Chandannagar. Fortunately, Sharmishtha is now out of danger, and her father is showing signs of rapid recovery, as confirmed by an official from the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate.
Initial investigations and Sharmishtha’s statements to the police revealed that the family, once financially stable, had been suffering from a severe economic downturn for several years.
Desperate, they opted for suicide, consuming an excessive quantity of sleeping pills, as described by Sharmishtha in her police statement. However, the police have initiated a standard investigation into the matter.
In her remarks to the media, she reiterated their dire situation: “We have been enduring a severe financial crisis for months. We could not afford domestic help or medical treatment, leading us to this tragic decision.”
The deceased, Sunita Das, has had her body sent for a post-mortem examination, with the cause of death to be determined after the autopsy report is complete.
Neighbors discovered the three individuals in a state of unconsciousness at their home and alerted the local police, who promptly transported them to the hospital.
The mother was declared dead shortly after arrival, while the medical team began urgent treatment for the father and daughter. Neighbors reported that the Das family had become increasingly withdrawn over the past couple of years, likely due to their financial struggles, and had limited interaction with the local community.