After losing wife to black fungus, mourning ex-serviceman, 4 children end life

Neighbours grew suspicious when none from the family was seen out this morning and alerted the police who, in turn, informed relatives

In an apparent suicide pact, five members of a family, including an ex-serviceman father, three daughters and son reportedly ended their lives by consuming poison at Borgal village in Hukkeri taluk. The incident came to light on Saturday.

The deceased were identified as Gopal Dundappa Hadimani (46), daughters Soumya (19), Shweta (16), Sakshi (11) and son Srujan (8).

Hadimani had three acres of agricultural land and a truck. He used to till the land and also rent the vehicle to make a living. After his wife Jaya succumbed to Mucormycosis ('black fungus') on July 6, last, the family had slipped into depression and remained withdrawn from others in the village.

It is feared that they entered into a pact to end their lives and consumed poison on Friday night. Bodies of the deceased were found lying on the bed and on the floor on Saturday.

Sources said the deceased have left behind a note and Rs 20,000 for funeral expenses.

The Sankeshwar police have registered a case of natural deaths and an investigation is underway.

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