Parents throw 3 children into canal, survive suicide bid

Patiala: Three siblings drowned after their parents allegedly threw them into the Bhakra Main Line canal and then jumped in themselves near Mandoli village in Ghanaur area of Patiala district on Sunday, police said.Local divers and passersby rescued the parents, but their 14-year-old boy, and daughters aged 12 and eight, died after being swept away by strong undercurrents.Police said the family belonged to Maujpur village under Sohana police station in Mohali district. Eyewitnesses reportedly saw the family near the canal before hearing screams.DSP Ghanaur Daljit Singh Virk said the incident took place around 11 am. "Before jumping into the canal, the couple threw their children into the water, but only the couple could be saved. Preliminary findings suggest a family dispute, though investigations are underway," he said.Police said preliminary investigations pointed to extreme domestic distress and alleged harassment by relatives. The bodies were shifted to civil hospital for postmortem examination, while the parents were undergoing treatment and questioning.