PANCHKULA, May 27: Seven members of a family from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, were found dead in a locked car in Sector 27 here during the night of May 26–27, in what police suspect may be a mass suicide linked to financial distress.
The deceased have been identified as Praveen Mittal, 42, his wife, parents, two daughters, and a son. All were discovered unresponsive in a car parked outside a residence. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle was locked from the inside when they arrived at the scene.
According to preliminary findings, investigators believe the family consumed poison. A handwritten note, reportedly found inside the car, is being examined, though police have not yet revealed its contents.
“The vehicle is being thoroughly examined along with the surrounding area. While the case appears to be one of suicide, investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the deaths,” said DCP Himadri Kaushik, who visited the site along with DCP Amit Dahiya and a forensic team.
A police official familiar with the case said early leads indicate financial trouble may have led the family to take the extreme step. However, a final determination will be made after the completion of forensic and post-mortem reports.
All seven bodies have been moved to the Civil Hospital mortuary in Sector 6 for autopsy. “The note and other material evidence collected from the scene will be critical in understanding what led to this tragedy,” said an investigating officer.
Police continue to gather statements and review CCTV footage from the area as part of the ongoing probe.
