₹20 crore burden leads to tragic pact

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the community in shock, Praveen Mittal and six members of his family died in what appears to be a suicide pact, reportedly due to financial distress. The tragic event unfolded on Monday night, leaving behind a note entrusting Mr. Mittal's cousin, Sandeep Agarwal, with the family's last rites.

Praveen Mittal, deeply burdened by debt amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore, had faced significant financial turmoil. His cousin, Sandeep Agarwal, revealed that Praveen’s financial woes began a few years ago when he established a scrap factory in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. The factory was eventually seized by the bank, as debts mounted and financial pressures grew insurmountable.

In a bid to escape his financial troubles, Mr. Mittal relocated from Panchkula to Dehradun, severing ties with his family for nearly six years. His debt, estimated at Rs 20 crore during his move, only exacerbated his plight. Attempts to rebuild his life in Kharar, Punjab, and later with his father-in-law in Pinjore, Haryana, proved futile, forcing him to return to Panchkula a month ago, where he worked as a taxi driver in the Saketri region.

The bank had repossessed his assets, including two flats and vehicles, underscoring the financial adversities he faced. On the fateful Monday, the Mittal family, residents of Dehradun, attended a spiritual event at Bageshwar Dham. It was on their return journey that they allegedly ingested poison in what is believed to be a collective decision to end their lives.

The horrifying discovery was made by Puneet Rana, a neighbor who noticed the Uttarakhand-registered car parked near his home. His curiosity was piqued by the sight of a towel hanging from the vehicle. Upon inquiry, the man, identified as Praveen Mittal, explained that due to a lack of available accommodation, they opted to spend the night in the car. However, Mr. Rana's suspicion was aroused, prompting him to investigate further. Inside the vehicle, he was confronted by a harrowing scene—six bodies, including Praveen's wife, elderly parents Deshraj Mittal and Bimla Devi, as well as their three children: twin daughters aged 13 and Hardik, a 15-year-old boy.

Mr. Rana recounted pulling Praveen away from the vehicle, only to be told that his family had perished in a suicide pact and that he, too, would succumb within minutes due to the debt burden. Immediate efforts were made to transport the family to a hospital; tragically, all were declared dead on arrival. Observers believe that Praveen might have been saved had the ambulance arrived more promptly.

This devastating incident underscores the grievous impact of financial distress and the importance of community support for those in dire straits. The passing of the Mittal family has left a mark on all who encountered them, casting a somber shadow over the community.