Tragedy in Panchkula: Seven Family Members Found Dead in Parked Car

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, seven members of a family from Dehradun were found dead inside a parked car in Sector 27 of Panchkula, Haryana, on the night of May 26. The deceased include a couple in their 40s, their three children aged between 12 and 14, and the man’s elderly parents .
The family had traveled to Panchkula to attend a spiritual event conducted by Bageshwar Dham’s Baba Dhirendra Shastri. Following the event, instead of returning to their rented accommodation, they parked their Hyundai Aura car in a residential area. Concerned residents noticed the vehicle stationary for an extended period and alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, police discovered all seven occupants unresponsive inside the locked car.
A two-page suicide note was recovered from the vehicle. In the note, the family’s patriarch expressed deep remorse over the family’s financial situation, stating that mounting debts had led them to this tragic decision. He took full responsibility for their plight and requested that his father-in-law not be held accountable. He also specified that his maternal uncle’s son should perform the last rites.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Panchkula, Amit Dahiya, stated, “At the moment, we are investigating the case from all angles. We are questioning people in the area and going through the CCTV footage”. Preliminary investigations suggest that the family consumed poison, leading to their deaths. However, authorities are awaiting post-mortem reports to confirm the exact cause.
This incident underscores the severe impact of financial stress on mental health. Similar tragedies have occurred in the past, highlighting the need for accessible mental health resources and financial counseling. For instance, in 2018, the Burari deaths in Delhi saw 11 family members found dead under mysterious circumstances, later linked to shared delusions and psychological distress.