Panchkula, Haryana – In a heartbreaking incident, a family of seven, including three minor children, allegedly died by suicide in Panchkula after consuming poison, reportedly due to overwhelming financial debt of Rs 20 crore. The head of the family, Praveen Mittal, had been struggling with massive liabilities for years, according to his cousin Sandeep Agarwal.
The deceased include Mr. Mittal, his wife, elderly parents (Deshraj Mittal and Bimla Devi), and three children – 15-year-old Hardik and twin daughters aged 13. A suicide note left behind requested that Sandeep Agarwal perform the last rites.
Timeline of Financial Ruin
A few years ago, Praveen Mittal had launched a scrap business in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. However, escalating debt forced the bank to seize the factory. Financial distress drove him to relocate from Panchkula to Dehradun, where he reportedly cut ties with extended family for nearly six years. At the time, he owed nearly Rs 20 crore.
In recent years, Mr. Mittal moved between Kharar in Punjab and Pinjore in Haryana before returning to Panchkula just a month ago. He had since been working as a taxi driver in the Saketri area. The bank had also confiscated two of his flats and vehicles.
How the Suicide Pact Unfolded
On Monday, the family attended a religious gathering at Bageshwar Dham. While returning, they allegedly consumed poison inside their car. The tragedy came to light when local resident Puneet Rana noticed their Uttarakhand-registered vehicle parked suspiciously.
"We saw a towel hanging from the window, which looked odd," Mr. Rana shared. When questioned, Mr. Mittal claimed the family couldn't find a hotel and planned to spend the night in the car. Moments later, Mr. Rana noticed a disturbing scene — six unconscious people inside the vehicle and a foul smell. Mr. Mittal admitted that his entire family had consumed poison and he planned to end his life as well, citing insurmountable debt as the reason.
All family members were rushed to the hospital but declared dead. Mr. Rana said Mr. Mittal might have survived if the ambulance had reached in time.
This tragic mass suicide has sent shockwaves across the region, sparking urgent conversations about financial stress and mental health awareness.