Two college students from Ramanagar committed suicide by consuming poison at Badanidiyur in Malpe of Udupi district on Saturday.
The third student, who also consumed poison, as part of the suicide pact is battling for life at an hospital in Udupi. The dead are Madhu, 17, and Hemanth, 19. Renuka, 16, is undergoing treatment in the ICU of the hospital. Hemanth and Renuka were in love with each other and had eloped from home on January 22. Madhu had come along with them to help them.
Madhu was studying Arts in the Government Composite College in Ramanagar, while Renuka was a student in the Commerce section of the same college. Hemanth was a student of Science at the Boys’ Junior College in Channapatna.
Madhu had taken away a gold chain, while Renuka had taken away a gold bracelet and some money while leaving their houses, police said.
Madhu's father Gangadhar lodged a police complaint on January 26 after efforts to trace her failed. Renuka's father Lakshman Kumar lodged a missing complaint on January 31.
Hemanth's father Gurulinga did not approach the police as Hemanth had fled the house and returned after some days on several occasions in the past. He thought his son would return soon, police said.
The trio were afraid of the consequences once they returned home and decided to commit suicide by consuming biriyani mixed with poison.
They were found in an unconscious state by local residents, who informed the police. When the police arrived, Madhu was already dead. Hemanth and Renuka were admitted to hospital, where Hemanth died, police said.
Karigowda, history lecturer at the Government Composite College, told Deccan Herald: Madhu and Renuka were meritorious students and had performed well in the recent mid-term examinations. We don't know why they decided to end their lives.”
While Madhu was a resident of Thimmaiah Doddi, Hemanth hailed from Kanva village. Renuka was a native of Hanumanahalli. She is the daughter of Lakshmana and Rathnamma.
Malpe police sub-inspector Jayanth visited the spot and is investigating.
