The police officials visited the village and further investigation is underway. (Representative)
Lakhimpur Kheri (UP):
A 63-year-old man and his two sons allegedly died by suicide within 24 hours following a property dispute with relatives in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, police said on Friday.
The incident took place in Babupur village under Mailani police station. Four people have been arrested in the case, police said.
According to police, Ram Naresh allegedly committed suicide at his home on Thursday after persistent harassment over the division of property. Troubled by their father's death, his sons Sudhir (30) and Mukesh (35) also died by suicide.
“On Thursday, Ram Naresh allegedly committed suicide. His sons filed a complaint saying that their father was harassed to such an extent that he committed suicide. A case was registered and investigation began,” Lakhimpur Kheri Superintendent of Police Ganesh Prasad Saha said .
“One of Ram Naresh's sons reportedly left home to relieve himself and was later found dead near the railway track. As villagers searched for him, the other son, who was unwell and alone at home with some women present, hanged himself while others were killed. outside,” he said.
Sudhir had filed a complaint with the Mailani police on Friday morning, accusing family members Ramdevi, Shivam, Shashibala and Arti Nigam of tormenting their father, allegedly pushing him to the limit.
Lakhimpur Kheri Superintendent of Police Ganesh Prasad Saha called the incident “extremely tragic”. Speaking to reporters, he said: “Both the complainant, who represents the victims, and those named as accused are relatives who share family ties as cousins and in-laws. Villagers told us that they lived close to each other and until three or four months ago, even shared meals.” The situation worsened due to a property dispute after the death of Ram Naresh's wife, which led to frequent arguments, the SP said.
Saha said, “The suspects, including a woman police officer, reportedly claimed rights over the house and claimed they should have a share. Despite attempts at reconciliation in the presence of villagers, no agreement was reached and tensions escalated.” He said settlement discussions had initially shown promise, but things took a tragic turn.
Additional Superintendent of Police (West) Nepal Singh along with other officials visited the village and further investigation is underway.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)