A couple died here on Saturday in a suicide pact after consuming dosas laced with poison. While one of their children also died, two siblings — B. Likitha and B. Janu — were battling for life in a private hospital. The condition of Janu is stated to be critical.
The deceased had been identified as B. Suresh (35), his wife Yesamma (30) and their son Hari Charan (10). They were residents of Ranadeve Nagar, Krishnalanka. Hari Charan and Janu were studying in second class while Likitha was studying in first standard in a private school.
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Quarrel after
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birthday party
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The family celebrated the 10th birthday of Janu on Saturday and within an hour after the party ate the ‘dosas’.
Suresh was working as sanitation worker in the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. He also ran an auto.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP-Law and Order) G. Pala Raju on Sunday said the family had a quarrel after the party which led to the extreme step.
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Neighbours rushed them to a hospital where Suresh, Yesamma and Hari Charan died.
“Suresh and Yesamma mixed poison in the dosas. Likitha asked them what the powder was about. Her parents told her that they were adding ‘masala powder’ for additional taste,” the DCP said.
The Krishnalanka police registered a case and took up investigation. The bodies were handed over to the next of kin after post-mortem.
Bicycle gift
“At around 10.20 p.m. they started vomiting and the neighbours rushed them to a hospital. But at 9 p.m, they were okay and Suresh presented a bicycle for Janu as a birthday gift. We suspect family disputes coupled with financial problems could be the reasons for the suicide,” Mr. Pala Raju said.
A pall of gloom descended on the colony.
Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao visited the hospital and enquired about the condition of the two children and the treatment being extended to them.
He said he would bear the medical expenses and asked the doctors to provide them the best treatment.