Panchkula Shocker: Family of Seven Ends Lives Over Debt, Burari Case Revived

Panchkula, Chandigarh: A harrowing scene unfolded in Panchkula’s Sector 27, Haryana, where seven members of a Dehradun-based family were found dead inside a locked SUV, suspected to have died by suicide. The victims, identified as Praveen Mittal (45), his wife Anjali (42), their children Ansh (17), Riya (14), and Aryan (10), and Praveen’s parents Ramesh (70) and Shalini (68), consumed poison, driven by insurmountable debt. A suicide note citing financial distress and “no way out” was recovered, evoking chilling parallels to the 2018 Burari case, where 11 family members died in a ritualistic suicide.

Details of the Incident

The family, originally from Dehradun’s Rajpur Road, had traveled to Panchkula to attend a Hanuman Katha event at Bageshwar Dham on May 25. Police reports indicate they parked near a temple, where locals noticed the SUV stationary for hours. Breaking in, authorities found froth around the victims’ mouths, suggesting poison ingestion. Forensic teams confirmed the presence of a toxic substance, with samples sent for analysis. The note revealed Praveen, a former real estate agent, faced losses exceeding ₹50 lakh due to failed investments. The incident mirrors Burari’s tragedy, where a family’s shared psychosis led to mass suicide, raising questions about mental health triggers.

Community and Official Response

The tragedy has stunned Panchkula, with X posts expressing grief and demanding better mental health support. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini ordered a thorough probe, while counselors are assisting the Mittal family’s relatives. Police are investigating potential lender harassment, as the note mentioned pressure from creditors. The Burari comparison, fueled by social media, highlights the need for economic relief and psychological aid. As helplines like 112 see increased calls, this incident underscores the urgent need to address financial despair and mental health crises to prevent such heart-wrenching losses.