A horrific family tragedy unfolded in Kanpur's Araul town on Friday morning, December 19, when a 45-year-old jeweller killed his younger son, grievously injured his elder son, and then ended his own life. The incident occurred on the third death anniversary of his wife, casting a pall of shock and grief over the community.
The Fateful Morning and Discovery
Ajay Katiyar, the jeweller, locked himself inside his house with his two sons, Shubh (7) and Rudra (12). When his jewellery shop did not open at the usual time on Friday morning, concerned relatives went to check on him at his residence. They found the house locked from the inside and, growing alarmed, immediately alerted the police.
Police officials, led by Inspector Janardan Singh Yadav, rushed to the spot and broke open the door. Inside, they discovered a grisly scene: Ajay and his two boys were lying in a pool of blood. All three were quickly rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC). Doctors declared Ajay and his younger son, Shubh, dead upon arrival. Rudra, who sustained serious injuries, received primary treatment at the CHC before being referred to a higher hospital for further care.
A Chilling Suicide Note and Past Shadows
Investigators recovered a suicide note written by Ajay Katiyar, which provided a heart-wrenching glimpse into his tormented state of mind. Addressed to his father, the note read, "Respected father, I cannot tell you how troubled I have been from childhood till today. One should have only as many children as one can raise properly. Now whom should I leave them with, that's why I am taking the children with me."
The note pointed to a deep-seated sense of despair. The date of the incident added another layer of poignancy, as it marked the death anniversary of Ajay's wife, Alka. She had died on December 19, 2022, from head injuries. While Ajay had maintained that his wife's death was an accident resulting from a fall from the roof, Alka's family had alleged foul play at the time, a claim that now resurfaces in light of the current tragedy.
Sequence of Events and Police Findings
Based on evidence collected at the scene, police pieced together a likely sequence of the tragic events. It appears Ajay first attempted to die by suicide. A bedsheet was found hanging from an iron grill in the courtyard, suggesting an initial failed attempt to hang himself.
Frustrated, he then turned his anger towards his children. Police recovered a box of herbicide, commonly used in farming, from his room. It is suspected that he first tried to force his sons to consume the poisonous substance. When they refused, he allegedly attacked them with a brick. He then consumed the poison himself.
CCTV footage from the vicinity showed Ajay sweeping outside his house around 6:30 am, appearing normal. He was last seen going back inside around 10:30 am, after which the doors were locked, and the tragedy ensued.
The police continue to investigate the matter, speaking to family members and examining all angles. The community of Araul and Kanpur at large is left reeling from this devastating event that underscores severe mental distress and its catastrophic consequences.
