Tragedy struck a quiet neighbourhood in Pilibhit on Sunday when a married couple was discovered deceased inside their rented home's bathroom. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about domestic safety.
Details of the Pilibhit Tragedy
The victims have been identified as Harjinder Singh, aged 42, and his wife, Renu Saxena, aged 40. They were residing in a rented house located in the Gurukul Puram Colony of Pilibhit. Harjinder Singh was an employee of the District Rural Development Authority (DRDA), a key local government body.
According to information shared by neighbours with the police, Renu Saxena had suffered a fractured arm a few days prior to the incident. Consequently, her husband had been actively assisting her with daily household chores during her recovery period.
Police Investigation and Initial Findings
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vikram Dahiya indicated that the preliminary investigation points towards a tragic accident. "They might have died of suffocation due to the gas geyser, which emits carbon dioxide gas," ASP Dahiya stated, highlighting the potential role of the bathroom appliance.
However, the autopsy conducted on Monday presented a more complex picture. Satynedra Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pilibhit Kotwali police station, reported that the post-mortem examination could not immediately determine an apparent cause of death. To delve deeper, the authorities have taken a crucial step: "The viscera samples of both husband and wife have been preserved" for further forensic analysis, SHO Kumar confirmed.
Ongoing Probe and Community Impact
The police investigation remains active as they work to conclusively establish the sequence of events that led to this double fatality. The preservation of viscera samples is a standard procedure in such unexplained deaths, allowing chemical analysis to detect the presence of any toxic gases or substances.
This heartbreaking incident in Pilibhit serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards associated with gas-based appliances in poorly ventilated spaces like bathrooms. It underscores the critical importance of regular maintenance and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of deadly gases like carbon monoxide.
