Alappuzha: A couple died by suicide after allegedly killing their three-year-old twins in the Thalavady grama panchayat here early on Friday. An acute financial crisis and the wife being diagnosed with blood cancer are thought to have forced the couple to take the extreme step.
The couple, Sunu (36) and Soumya (31), residents of Mooleparambil House in Chakkulam (9th) ward, were found hanging from the ceiling of their bedroom. The bodies of two children, Adhi and Athil, were found on the bed in the same room, police said.
“Sunu’s mother went to the room to see whether the children were awake. She saw them lying under a sheet and thought the two were still fast asleep. She didn’t at first notice the bodies of the couple nearby as it was hidden by an almirah. She was shocked to find the same when she searched for them. Neighbours rushed in hearing her wailing and found the children too lying motionless,” a senior police officer said.
Sunu, who worked in the Gulf, returned home two years ago following a backbone operation. His wife then took up a job in Kuwait to sustain the family. She came back three months ago to celebrate the birthday of their children.
“Things again went wrong. She underwent a medical checkup as part of going back to Kuwait when she was diagnosed with blood cancer. The same was confirmed in tests held at the Thiruvananthapuram RCC and the couple took the extreme step on Friday even as she was set to undergo a blood transfusion,” the officer added.
The duo had availed a bank loan two years ago to construct their own house, but both of them getting afflicted with diseases pushed them into an acute financial crisis. “They couldn’t repay the instalments in the last three months,” police said.
A suicide note, purportedly written by Soumya, was recovered from the spot in which she cited the diagnosis of the disease as the reason.
Sunu married Soumya nine years ago and the couple had twins after six years.
A team from Edatwa Police, including fingerprint experts, reached the spot and collected evidence. The autopsy of the bodies was carried out. However, the cause of death of the children is not yet clear. “We’re awaiting the results of the chemical test of internal organs. Further probe is on,” the officer said.
Their funeral will be held when Sunu’s brother, who works in the army, returns from Jammu and Kashmir. Till then the bodies will be kept in a mortuary.
