Surat Family Suicide: Share Trader, Wife, and Daughter Die, Note Alleges Harassment
In a tragic incident in Surat, three members of a family, including a share trader, his wife, and their elder daughter, died by suicide at their apartment in the upscale Vesu locality. The police reported that the incident came to light after the victim left behind a suicide note alleging prolonged harassment by a man.
Deceased Identified and Family Details
The deceased have been identified as Balmukund Khetan, his wife Priyanka Khetan, and their nine-year-old daughter Bhavya Khetan. The family resided at the Happy Elegance society. The couple's younger daughter, Pathvi (7), survived the incident.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
According to police reports, on Tuesday evening, Priyanka Khetan called her father, Sanjay Agrawal, a textile trader, and informed him that Balmukund Khetan had consumed pesticide. When Agrawal rushed to the apartment, he discovered all four family members unconscious. Neighbors promptly alerted emergency services, and medical teams arrived at the scene. Balmukund Khetan was declared dead at the spot, while the other three were transported to a private hospital. Tragically, Priyanka and Bhavya later succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Suicide Note Reveals Allegations of Harassment
Police recovered a suicide note in which Balmukund Khetan detailed allegations of harassment by a man named Vaibhav Roongta. The note claimed that Roongta had misused Khetan's credit card to purchase items such as clothes and a mobile phone, withdrawn cash, and borrowed a two-wheeler that was never returned. When Khetan reportedly demanded repayment and the return of the vehicle, Roongta allegedly responded with threats and harassment, escalating the situation.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Based on a complaint filed by Sanjay Agrawal, the Vesu police have registered a case of abetment to suicide and criminal intimidation against Vaibhav Roongta and have launched a thorough investigation. During the probe, police also noted that Khetan mentioned his pet dog in the suicide note, expressing concern for its future and suggesting arrangements for its rehabilitation. Investigators further learned that Roongta visited the victim's residence after learning about the incident.
Ongoing Police Efforts and Statements
A police officer involved in the case stated, "We are yet to arrest the accused. Statements of family members, friends, and neighbors are being recorded to understand the nature of the relationship between the victim and the accused. We are also examining financial transactions, call detail records, and other possible angles to build a comprehensive case." The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged harassment and its role in the tragic suicides.
