JOIN USCharred bodies of four members of a family, including two children, were found at their house at west Delhi’s Uttam Nagar on Saturday.
Police have recovered a suicide note from the terrace of the house.
Rajender Saxena, a 48-year-old businessman, lived with his wife Anita, 34, and sons Sayyam, 10, and Deepu, eight, at Mohan Garden. Police believe it to be a case of suicide as Rajender, who owns a copper factory at outer Delhi’s Bawana was debt-ridden.
“It seems Rajender killed his wife and children, put kerosene on them and on himself and burnt everyone,” a police officer said.
Relatives, friends and neighbours claim that Rajender was in debt after taking Rs 40 lakh loan from several businessmen and banks. A case of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code has been lodged with Uttam Nagar Police Station.
In the suicide note, Rajender claimed his money lenders were continuously threatening him and his family. Police have booked three neighbours for abetment to suicide.
The incident came to light when neighbours saw smoke coming out from the house around 5:30 am. A call was made to the police control room, after which Delhi Fire Service was also informed.
Police broke open the door of the house after the fire was brought under control and found four bodies charred beyond recognition. The bodies were later shifted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for post-mortem.
“We are waiting for post-mortem reports to ascertain the exact cause of the death,” the officer added. Police, however, have also not ruled out the possibility of foul play behind the incident.
One of the neighbours said that the Saxena family had moved to the locality two-three years ago. “The family members, however, never interacted with others. They preferred to stay isolated,” Natasha Sharma said. Even the children were not allowed to mingle with other kids in the locality.
Sanjay Narang, another neighbour, said that Ravinder was last seen around 11:30 pm on Friday. “Rajender had also bought a house from an adjacent building, but was unable to pay the entire amount. He was regularly seen quarrelling with the owner of the house,” he added.
It is further alleged that the cheques issued by Rajendar to the owner of the house had also bounced. “The owner had filed a court case against Rajender and won. The court had asked him to pay the amount within a span of time,” the officer said.
Rajender mentioned in the suicide note that he was unable to arrange the amount due to which he committed suicide. Police have questioned the owner of the house and further investigations are on.
Rajender’s brother-in-law has also told police that he received a letter recently from him referring to his debt and the possibility of committing suicide.