Debt drives family of five to tragic death in Tumakuru

Hameed Ashraf | NT

Tumakuru: In a tragic incident a family of five, including three children, were found dead at their house in Sadashivanagar area of the city late on Sunday evening.

Following inspection by the jurisdictional police, it was revealed that the parents had allegedly strangled their children to death before committing suicide.

The deceased family elder was identified as Gareeb Saab, 36, by a poignant death note addressed to his grandmother, detailing the family's struggles and the reasons behind their extreme step.

It was learnt that Gareeb Saab was a street vendor who sold chicken kabab in the area. The couple- Gareeb Saab and his wife, Sumaya, 32, had strangled their children Hajira, 14, Mohammed Subhan, 10, and Mohammed Munir, 8, to death before hanging themselves.

It was learnt that the couple took the extreme step due to mounting debt, business losses, and harassment from their neighbours. The Tilak Park police told News Trail that the family had been living in a rented house in Sadashivanagar, but it is claimed that the burden of debt and financial struggles led them to the tragic decision.

Relatives alerted the police

Upon receiving a distressing call at 7:30 pm on Sunday, the police promptly reached the location. The bodies of Gareeb Saab and Sumaya were found hanging, while the three children lay dead on a bed.

Superintendent of Police Ashok KV stated, "We have checked the video clip and are currently interrogating the persons named in the video. A case has been registered and investigation is underway," he said.

In the video shared by Gareeb Saab, he is seen requesting state Home Minister G Parameshwara and the police officers to punish those who forced them to take the drastic step.

Reacting to the incident, Parameshwara mourned the deaths, and said he will get the matter thoroughly investigated.

THE DEATH NOTE

In the death note, Gareeb Saab expressed the challenges they faced, including financial diffi culties, the inability to make ends meet, and three months of unpaid house rent.

The note also mentioned that their belongings and the advance money for the rented house should be handed over to their grandmother and other family members.

Gareeb Saab accused some residents on Third B Main Road in Sadashivanagar of harassing them and requested action against them.

THE VIDEO CLIP

Before the tragic incident, Gareeb Saab reportedly sent a 5.22-minute video message on WhatsApp to his relatives.

In the video shared by Gareeb Saab, he is seen requesting state Home Minister G Parameshwara and the police offi cers to punish those who forced them to take the drastic step.