Gujarat: 7 Members Of Family, Including 3 Children, Die Of Mass Suicide In Surat; Financial Difficulties Likely Reason Behind Shocking Act

Authorities suspect that Mahesh Solanki, the businessman, may have poisoned his parents, wife, and children before taking his own life late Friday night. It is believed that his financial difficulties stemmed from borrowers failing to repay the loans he had extended to them.

Melvyn Thomas Updated: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 09:54 PM IST

Surat: Seven members of a family, including three toddlers, were found dead at home in Adajan area of Surat, in what police suspect is a case of mass suicide.

Manish Solanki, the owner of a furniture manufacturing unit, gave poison to his wife, mother, father, and three children, and later committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan at their residence. The three children are all less than 8 years old.

Financial difficulties cited as reason

A note recovered from their house states that the family was taking the extreme step out of financial distress. The note does not name anyone but states that a huge payment was stuck and Solanki was unable to recover it.

The Adajan police and senior police officers rushed to the spot on learning of the incident in Siddheshwar Apartment in Palanpur Patia area of the city.

Police officials have shifted the bodies to the New Civil Hospital for post mortem and have started questioning the neighbours and other residents of the area to learn more about the family members and their financial condition.

The shocking incident

“Police were informed about the tragic mass suicide in the early morning hours. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Manish Solanki hanged himself after giving poison to six of his family members, including his three toddlers,” said Rakesh Barot, deputy commissioner of police.

A bottle that apparently contained the poisonous substance has also been recovered.

Police have registered a case and investigations are on.

Solanki alias Shantu, who was originally from Surendranagar in Gujarat, employed about 35 carpenters at his furniture manufacturing unit.

Suicide Prevention Helpline no. | AASRA

Published on: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 04:19 PM IST

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