Bicholim deaths: Father killed minor son, then died by suicide

Panaji/Bicholim: In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves across the state, a father allegedly killed his son and then died by suicide in Bicholim on Monday as he felt that he would create a nuisance to society in future.

Sanjay Mhapsekar, 59, who was general secretary of BJP’s Bicholim mandal, killed his son, Sanchit, who had earlier filed a complaint against his father at Bicholim police station over some minor issues. He then died by suicide by consuming some toxic substance. Police said that according to Sanjay’s suicide note, he was upset and under the impression that his son’s violent and unacceptable behaviour might pose a danger to him and his daughter’s future.

The incident came to light at around 6pm on Monday, when Sanjay’s daughter came home from work. During the course of investigation, Bicholim police recovered a suicide note at the house left by Sanjay, which revealed that the relationship between the father and son was indecorous over issues related to studies, curriculum, and behaviour.

Police said that Sanjay’s wife died around four years ago of a health issue. Now, only the daughter survives.

“From the scene, it could be apprehended that Sanjay might have killed his son and eventually died by suicide by consuming a toxic substance inside his house. The spot was visited by the FSL team, dog squad, fingerprint experts. Police formalities were observed during which relevant exhibits were attached,” police said.

Dr Pannag S. Kumar, assistant professor, forensic medicine and toxicology, GMC, conducted the post-mortem examination on Sanjay’s body and certified the cause of death as “asphyxia as a result of cerebral and pulmonary oedema and congestion consequent to consumption of a poisonous/toxic substance”.

Police said that doctors also conducted a post-mortem examination on Sanchit’s body, and certified the cause of death as “asphyxia as a result of manual strangulation (throttling), which was fatal in the ordinary course of nature”.

Bicholim PI Vijai Rane Sardesai said, “It is crystal clear Sanjay committed murder of his minor son by strangulation or throttling. Sanjay, after committing the murder, died by suicide and ended his own life by consuming poisonous/toxic substance.”