By Sampadak Express
A somber silence looms over Panchkula’s Sector 27 after seven members of a family, including three children, were found dead in a parked car late Monday night. Authorities suspect a mass suicide, with a 16-page handwritten note recovered from the scene revealing the family’s financial struggles and domestic tensions
The deceased were identified as 42-year-old Praveen Mittal, his wife Reena, their three children—14-year-old Hardik and twin daughters Dhruvika and Dalisha, aged 11 and Praveen’s elderly parents, Deshraj and Vimla. The family had been residing in a rented flat in the Mansa Devi Complex for the past few months.
Authorities say the family died from suspected poisoning, though autopsy reports are awaited. A two-page suicide note recovered from the car, reportedly penned by Praveen, cites bankruptcy and unbearable debt as the reason behind the drastic act. “I have gone bankrupt. I am responsible for all this,” the note read. He further requested that no one, especially his father-in-law, be held responsible.
A Silent Exit After a Spiritual Gathering
Earlier that day, the family had attended a religious discourse by Bageshwar Dham preacher Dhirendra Shastri in Panchkula. But instead of returning home, they parked their Hyundai Aura on a quiet road in Sector 27. A towel had been draped over the rear windshield, concealing the occupants.
Late that evening, a local youth named Harsh, who was out for a walk, noticed something unusual about the car. “One man was barely conscious, trembling,” Harsh told police. “He said they had all taken poison.” Harsh immediately called emergency services. All seven were rushed to Ojas Hospital, but only Praveen was found alive. He succumbed shortly afterward.
Debt, Isolation, and a Failed Business
According to relatives, Praveen had been struggling for years. He once ran a scrap-processing factory in Panchkula before shifting to Dehradun, where he started a tour and travel business. The venture failed, and he reportedly amassed debts of up to ₹1 crore.
“He had become withdrawn over the last few years,” said his cousin Sandeep Aggarwal, who spoke to him just last week. “He told me he was running a taxi business and that he was in deep debt.”
Praveen’s father-in-law, Rakesh Gupta, confirmed to police that he had not been in contact with Praveen for nearly a decade but had recently provided financial help to his daughter Reena. A relative also stated that Praveen had been declared a proclaimed offender by the bank after failing to repay the loan.
A Cry for Help That Came Too Late
While the case continues to be investigated from all angles, the early indications point to financial distress and psychological exhaustion. Police are speaking to relatives and residents, and have not ruled out any possibilities.
“We are verifying all details and recording statements. All angles are being looked into,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Himadri Kaushik said.
This tragedy echoes other such incidents across India, where economic instability and lack of mental health support have pushed families into despair.
If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling:
Help is available. Mental health professionals and helplines are ready to listen.
- Aasra: 022-27546669
- Sneha India Foundation: +91-44-24640050
- Sanjivini: 011-24311918
- Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad): 040-66202000
- ONE LIFE: 78930 78930
- SEVA: 09441778290
