Panchkula tragedy: Financial strain linked to shocking suicide of 7

The Mittal family had recently moved to this house in Saketri, Panchkula. Once a place of refuge, it now stands deserted after the family's shocking collective suicide.

Praveen Mittal’s parents, Desraj and Bimla Mittal, were among the seven family members who lost their lives. Relatives say the elderly couple had supported Praveen through prolonged financial stress.

Forensic teams recovered bottles of syrup from the locked car, believed to have been consumed by the family. Vomit was also found inside, indicating poisoning.

Before collapsing near his car, Praveen reportedly admitted to a local that crushing debt had driven the family to the brink. He died soon after being taken to hospital.

Relatives rushed to Sector 25 police chowki upon hearing the news. Many were in disbelief, recalling how the family had been trying to recover from years of financial loss.

The family's vehicle, parked outside a house in Sector 27, Panchkula, became the site of the tragedy. All seven were found unconscious inside with the doors locked from within.

A note recovered from the scene, allegedly written by Praveen, cites debts of over ?15 crore and absolves others of blame. Police say he ran a struggling taxi business.