Mounting debts drive family to suicide

The deceased were identified as V Muthusamy, 38, farmer from Vannapatty near Kundadam, his mother Mayilathal, 70 and two children Rajalakshmi and her brother Manikkasathiyamurthy studying at a government school. 

According to police, Muthusamy was involved in farming by taking land on lease. “Over the past few years, he met severe loss as crops withered away due to lack of sufficient water. A few months ago, Muthusamy sold all his cattle and hen to pay the lease amount.”  

Yet he was unable to meet the expenses and borrowed money, but could not return due to financial crisis. “Poor financial situation led to frequent quarrels between Muthusamy and his wife, who was working in a textile firm. Following the quarrel, a week ago, Selvi left to her parent’s house in Rangampalayam,” police added. 

Meanwhile on Sunday morning at 6.30 am, a woman who came by that side had noticed Muthusamy’s house remaining locked, while the Muthusamy and his mother were found hanging outside their house, the two children were found hanging inside. 

On receiving information, the Kundadam police rushed to the spot and sent the bodies for post mortem at Dharapuram Government Hospital.

Inquiries revealed that Muthusamy had taken the extreme step depressed over his debts. “He had killed his two children by forcefully hanging them and then committed suicide with his mother,” police said. 

The Kundadam police have registered a case and further inquiries are on.