Family suicide pact in Dhayri; 3 dead

A Family suicide pact that came to light yesterday afternoon at Samarth Vandan society in Dhayri left three people dead. A 40-year-old electrical contractor was the only survivor.u00a0

The contractor, Arun Palkar, blamed the unfavourable positions of Shani (Saturn) and Mangal (Mars) for taking the extreme step.

Arun's condition was reportedly serious, while his two sons, Omkar (11) and Omprakash (6), and wife Anita (37) were declared dead when they were brought to Sassoon hospital.u00a0The police suspect the four members of the family consumed sleeping pills.u00a0

Palkar left seven suicide notes in all -- addressed to the police, the society members, the flat owner, two brothers, sisters and doctors at Sassoon hospital -- saying no one should beu00a0held responsible for the family's act.u00a0

The Haveli police said Arun, his wife and two sons were found in an unconscious state in the family's rented flat on the first floor of the society. The police said Arun's condition was stated to be critical and he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital.u00a0

Arun's younger brother Umesh Palkar, who used to work with Arun, said his sibling never told him about any tensions in his life.u00a0Police Inspector (Crime) Sardar Patil from the Haveli police station said: "The matter came to light after Umesh had gone to check as his brother did not answer his calls even after repeated attempts.u00a0

Initial investigations reveal that Arun was not reeling under financial debt but was depressed. The statements of his relatives point out that he believed in astrological predictions."u00a0Arun's brother-in-law said his sister Anita was a loner and never shared her tensions with anyone.