Sole Survivor: 8-Year-Old Girl Escapes Death in Chennai Family Suicide Pact
In a heart-wrenching incident in Chennai's Perambur neighborhood, eight-year-old Evangelin Alvina has emerged as the sole survivor of a family tragedy that claimed the lives of her father, younger brother, and mother. The family is believed to have consumed a poison-laced cake in what police suspect was a suicide pact, driven by severe financial hardships.
Details of the Tragic Event
According to police reports, S Sagaya Sebastian, 43, who worked as accounts staff at a warehouse in Madhavaram, purchased a cake from a local bakery on Tuesday night. The cake bore the inscription 'Happy family', a grim irony given the events that followed. Sebastian allegedly laced the cake with poison and served it to his family at their residence on Sankaramadam Street before hanging himself later that night.
His four-year-old son, Ivaan Anto, died upon arrival at the hospital. His wife, Rexy Beula, 38, who was undergoing treatment for cancer at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, succumbed to the poison late on Wednesday. Evangelin Alvina remains under medical care at the same hospital, fighting for her recovery.
Evangelin's Miraculous Escape
Evangelin narrowly escaped death by vomiting the cake in the washroom shortly after consumption. However, she had ingested a portion of the poison, leading to a loss of consciousness. Inspector M Chiranjeevi, who is leading the investigation, stated that when Evangelin regained consciousness on Wednesday morning, she discovered her younger brother and mother lying unconscious beside her, while her father was found hanging from the ceiling.
The Class III student immediately alerted the police. A response team rushed to the scene and transported all four family members to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Investigation and Aftermath
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the family was grappling with significant financial strain due to Beula's ongoing cancer treatment. This economic pressure is considered a primary motive behind the suspected suicide pact. All bodies have been sent for postmortem examination to confirm the causes of death.
On Thursday, police handed over Rexy Beula's body to her family members, who have assured authorities that they will take responsibility for Evangelin Alvina's care and well-being moving forward.
Broader Implications
This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of financial crises on families, particularly when compounded by serious health issues like cancer. It underscores the need for community support systems and mental health resources to prevent such desperate acts.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community in Chennai, prompting discussions about societal pressures and the importance of early intervention in cases of extreme distress.
