Three persons were killed and one other was admitted in a hospital in a critical condition after a debt-ridden family from Delhi allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison in Masuri area.
A resident of Uttam Nagar area of Delhi, Alok Verma, 55, along with his wife Ambika (50) and sons Robin (25) and Nikhil (22) went to his native place in Mooradabad district yesterday, according to police.
On way back to Delhi, all four members of the family consumed poison at a hotel in Babugarh area, where they halted for a brief time yesterday night.
"After consuming poison, the family left for their Delhi residence in a car. Around 1:30 am, Nikhil called up his uncle Ashutosh, saying that they were quitting their lives," SHO, Masuri, Guljar Ahmed said.
"Later, when condition of family members deteriorated, Nikhil dialled police control room and claimed that they had consumed poison," the police official said.
The family members were found in an unconscious condition in Masuri area about 4PM.
They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Alok, Ambika and Robin were declared brought dead, while the condition of Nikhil is still critical, he said.
Alok was a dealer of engine-piston, pumps and had taken a factory on rent, the SHO said.
"Alok did not get the expected profit from his business and the financial crisis appears to be the main cause behind taking the extreme step," said another police officer.
