A Charkop-based jeweller decided to take the drastic step of killing himself and his family when he was unable to repay a loan of Rs 50 lakh. Under duress, Harish Soni (38) convinced his wife Rupam Soni (35) and two daughters, aged 10 and 7, to consume rat poison and end their lives.

However, after consuming the poison, Soni realised his folly and called a friend, and told him what he had done. The friend immediately called Soni’s father Dhulichand, who lives in Sector 1 in Charkop. They rushed to the Soni’s residence in Sector 4. Together, the friend and Dhulichand ferried the family to Karuna Hospital in Borivli. The immediate medical attention helped save the lives of all four members.