Did Financial Struggles Lead to a Family Tragedy in Panchkula?

Panchkula, May 27 (NationPress) - The community in Panchkula is in disbelief after the tragic discovery of seven family members found deceased inside a car, with police investigating the possibility of a mass suicide purportedly linked to financial difficulties. The relatives are urgently seeking clarity from authorities, particularly requesting the release of a suicide note.

The individuals who lost their lives include Praveen Mittal, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, along with his father, Deshraj Mittal.

Praveen's nephew, Ankit Mittal, expressed his profound shock and bewilderment over the situation, arguing that the claims of financial strain contradict their recent engagements with Praveen Mittal.

“We are in the dark. The police mentioned a suicide note was located, but we haven’t been granted access to it. How can we accept the circumstances leading to this tragedy without seeing it?” he stated.

He recounted a family wedding in Delhi on April 30, just weeks prior to this heartbreaking event.

“He appeared to be in good spirits, joyful even. We shared laughter and celebrated together. There were no signs of distress,” Ankit added.

He refuted the narrative of financial crisis, emphasizing that while Praveen had encountered challenges in the past, including a business setback around 2007, there were no recent signs of severe financial distress.

“Yes, he faced losses previously and mentioned them during a visit in 2013-14. However, he managed well and maintained assets, including vehicles, while renting a house in Panchkula. If there were issues, he concealed them well. He even enrolled his children in a government school recently, likely to cope with expenses, yet nothing indicated desperation,” he explained.

Ankit further noted that Praveen had spent a considerable amount of time in Dehradun, where he relocated with his family in pursuit of stability and a healthier environment.

“He resided there from approximately 2012 until last year. He moved several times but remained devoted to supporting his family. His three children—15-year-old Hardik and twin daughters around 13—were his everything,” he shared.

Praveen's father-in-law also appeared equally shocked by the unfolding events.

“I am at a loss for words. Praveen worked in the car business. He might have borrowed money, but I was unaware of any significant issues. We only learned of this through the police. They aren't even permitting me to see my daughter,” he lamented.

Praveen's brother reiterated similar feelings, acknowledging that his brother had recently mentioned feeling tense about finances but dismissed the implication that debt could have driven him to such a drastic act.

“He did request money once, and I assisted him. Our father even inquired if he needed more just days ago, but he said no. I never observed creditors pressuring him or any indication of overwhelming stress. I don’t believe this is solely due to financial debt,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, initial investigations suggest that the family allegedly took their own lives due to escalating financial obligations.

The deceased included two young girls aged 12-13, their brother aged 14-15, along with their parents and grandparents, according to police reports.

Authorities suspect that the family, who previously resided in Chandigarh, committed suicide.

All seven individuals were discovered within the same vehicle, its rear windshield obscured by a towel, as stated by Additional Commissioner of Police Vikram Nehra.

He revealed that when the victims were transported to a nearby hospital in Panchkula, only the children's father showed signs of life, but unfortunately, he passed away during treatment.

A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.