Chennai Father Poisons Daughters, Attempts Suicide in Mamallapuram Guesthouse
A devastating incident unfolded in Mamallapuram, near Chennai, where a 35-year-old man allegedly killed his two young daughters by feeding them poison-laced idlis before attempting to take his own life. The man, identified as Pradeep from Kolathur, is currently in critical condition at a government hospital in Chengalpet, while his daughters, aged seven and four, tragically lost their lives.
Background of Marital Strife
Police reports indicate that Pradeep had been separated from his wife, Preethi, for approximately two months due to ongoing marital disputes. During this period, their daughters, Liya and Shubiksha, resided with Pradeep. A formal complaint regarding the matrimonial issues had been filed at the Puzhal police station and was under active investigation at the time of the incident.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
On February 9, Pradeep checked into a guesthouse in Mamallapuram along with his two daughters. Over the subsequent days, he was observed taking the children to the beach regularly in the mornings and evenings. However, on Friday evening, after returning to their room, the trio did not emerge, raising no immediate alarm.
The situation took a grim turn when the guesthouse staff grew suspicious as the room remained locked from the inside until 1:30 PM on Saturday. After repeated knocks went unanswered, they promptly alerted the Mamallapuram police.
Police Intervention and Discovery
Upon breaking open the door, police officers discovered both children deceased, while Pradeep was found unconscious and in critical condition. Investigators also recovered poison-laced idlis that had been fed to the girls. The Mamallapuram police swiftly transported Pradeep to a government hospital for emergency medical care. The bodies of the two children were sent for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. The incident highlights the severe consequences of unresolved personal conflicts and mental health crises.
Assistance for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts is available through Tamil Nadu's health helpline at 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline at 044-24640050.
