Bagodara (Ahmedabad), 20 July: The bodies of a couple and their three minor children were found in their rented home in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad district in the early hours of Sunday, in what police suspect to be a case of mass suicide.
The incident was reported from Bagodara village, located in the rural part of the district. Police were alerted around 2 am, Ahmedabad (rural) Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat confirmed. “Prima facie, it appears the family consumed poison. The exact motive is not yet known, and an investigation is ongoing,” Jat said.
The deceased were identified as Vipul Vaghela (32), his wife Sonal (26), and their children Kareena (11), Mayur (8), and Princess (5). According to police, Vaghela earned his living as an auto-rickshaw driver. Officials said the family had been living in Bagodara on rent and were not known to have any prior complaints registered with local authorities.
“Based on initial observations, we suspect it to be a suicide pact, but we are examining all angles, including financial distress or personal reasons,” said a senior official from Bagodara police station.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the village, with neighbours expressing disbelief and sorrow. “They mostly kept to themselves but never showed signs of trouble,” said a local resident.
Police have initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC and are awaiting post-mortem reports. The probe will also involve statements from extended family members, neighbours, and any potential financial or social links that may help explain the family’s final act.
Authorities have not ruled out foul play but say early evidence points toward voluntary poisoning.
