Police said G Suresh (22) from Angalamman Kovil Street in Sevvapet and his girlfriend Jothika (20) of Mariamman Kovil Street in Gugai area were found dead in a car parked in the shed belonging to the deceased youth.

Police said Suresh was taking care of the silver smithy owned by his father, while Jothika was studying final year engineering in a private college. They were in love over the last two years.

Police said Suresh, who left home on Tuesday morning did not return till night. The panicked family members tried to reach him through phone, but it remained switched off.

After a frantic search, the family members had gone to the car shed, where they were shocked to find the youth and his girlfriend lying dead in a car. On receiving information, the Sevvapet police rushed to the spot and sent the bodies of the couple for a post mortem at Salem Government Hospital.

Though they both hailed from same community, the couple feared that they cannot marry as their parents were opposed to their relationship. Hence the duo decided to commit suicide by consuming poison, which the police suspect to be cyanide.

Police are also inquiring with friends and family members of the couple to know the reason behind their sudden decision to end lives. A case has been registered and further investigations are on.