Kolkata, 21 February (H.S.) – A shocking and tragic incident has surfaced from Tangra, Kolkata, where six members of the Dey family allegedly attempted to commit mass suicide due to overwhelming debt. However, what began as a suicide pact soon turned into a horrifying case of murder and despair, as revealed by the ongoing police investigation.
The family, consisting of Pranay Dey, Prasun Dey, their wives Sudeshna and Romi, and two minor children—a son and a daughter—had reportedly planned to end their lives together. All six consumed sleeping pills on the same night in an attempt to die peacefully. However, the next morning, three male members (Pranay, Prasun, and the minor son) woke up, while both women and the minor daughter remained unconscious.
According to police findings, upon realizing the failed suicide attempt, the two brothers allegedly killed their wives by slitting their wrists while they were still asleep. Their initial plan was to admit the son to a hospital before taking their own lives. However, when the son refused hospitalization, the situation escalated into deeper turmoil.
Following the murders, the injured family members left their home, traveling across various routes in Kolkata—Belghoria Expressway, Kona Expressway, Second Hooghly Bridge, AJC Bose Road, Park Circus Seven Point, and Science City—before reaching the EM Bypass. Here, they met with a road accident, leaving both brothers injured.
A post-mortem report revealed that Sudeshna and Romi had eaten between three to six hours before their deaths, raising questions about whether they had woken up during the night for a meal and then gone back to sleep.
Further suspicions have also emerged regarding the depth and timing of the wrist injuries, adding complexity to the investigation.
The police probe uncovered that the Dey family was under immense financial distress, having taken loans worth crores from six different banks and several private agencies. Their house had also been mortgaged, and the mounting debts pushed the family into severe psychological pressure, ultimately leading to this devastating incident.
Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh
