Loan pressure drives Siddipet couple to suicide, child critical

A couple running a cloth shop in Bejjanki, Siddipet district, allegedly died by suicide due to family disputes and financial difficulties. Found unconscious at home on Sunday. Police await further details

Siddipet: Helping a friend raise loans allegedly drove a man and his wife to suicide at Bejjanki mandal in Siddipet district on Sunday.

According to the police, Vadlakonda Sri Harsha (32) and his wife Rukmini (28), who were running a cloth showroom at the Bejjanki mandal headquarters, had helped a friend secure loans totalling about Rs 13 lakh from people known to Sri Harsha. When the friend failed to repay the amount, lenders reportedly began pressuring Sri Harsha for repayment.

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Unable to cope with the pressure, the couple allegedly consumed weedicide in the early hours of Sunday after administering the same poison to their two-year-old daughter. When the child started crying, neighbours became suspicious and knocked on the door. After receiving no response, they forced the door open and found the couple unconscious.

The trio was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared Rukmini brought dead. Sri Harsha died an hour later while undergoing treatment. Their daughter was admitted and is battling for life.

Police said Sri Harsha left behind a five-page suicide note. A case has been registered and an investigation is under way.