A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Anna Nagar West, Chennai, where a family of four was found dead in their home on Thursday morning. The deceased have been identified as Dr. Balamurugan, his wife Sumathi, and their two sons, Dasvanth (17) and Lingesh (15).
Preliminary investigations suggest that financial difficulties may have driven them to take this extreme step. Dr. Balamurugan, who owned a diagnostic scan center, had reportedly suffered severe financial losses, leading to mounting debts. His wife, Sumathi, was a lawyer practicing in the city court. Their elder son, Dasvanth, was preparing for his Class 12 board exams, while Lingesh was a Class 10 student.
The tragic discovery was made when their driver arrived at the house and found no response from the family. Growing suspicious, he alerted the neighbors, who looked through a window and saw the family members hanging. Dr. Balamurugan and Sumathi were found in one room, while their sons were in another.
Upon receiving the information, police reached the scene and recovered the bodies. The remains were sent to Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital for post-mortem examination. Authorities have launched an investigation to gather more details surrounding the incident.
This incident highlights the growing concerns over mental health issues and financial stress. According to official data, Tamil Nadu ranks among the states with the highest suicide rates in India. Experts emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and open conversations to prevent such tragedies.
Psychologist and social worker Dr. Suchitra V. Menon stressed that many individuals suffering from depression and financial distress do not openly share their struggles. “If people speak up about their problems, there could be solutions. More awareness campaigns are needed to help individuals realize that suicide is not the only option,” she said.
The shocking event has left the community in grief, prompting renewed discussions on mental health support and financial crisis management.
