Hooghly family attempts mass suicide over financial crisis; 1 dies, two critical

A tragic suicide attempt unfolded in West Bengal’s Chandannagar on Friday morning, where three members of the Das family allegedly tried to end their lives due to extreme financial stress and social isolation. The incident took place in Baidyapota, where 87-year-old Ekendranath Das, his 83-year-old wife Sunita Das, and their 43-year-old daughter Sharmistha Das were found unconscious after reportedly consuming sleeping pills.

The trio was rushed to Chandannagar Hospital, where Sunita Das was declared dead. Ekendranath and Sharmistha are currently undergoing treatment. According to police sources and neighbours, the family was once financially stable, running a colliery business. However, a prolonged financial downturn and lack of support left them mentally distressed.

Sharmistha, who survived the attempt, reportedly told police that the family had no domestic help, no steady income, and no emotional support system. Their lives had become increasingly isolated, contributing to a sense of hopelessness.

The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident and are speaking to relatives and neighbours to understand the family’s recent struggles more deeply.