Family of seven found dead under suspicious circumstances in Telangana

Sending shock waves across Telangana, a family of seven members was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Pamukunta village in Rajapeta mandal of Yadadri district. The family, identified to be that of Baindla Balanarsaiah Barathamma, consisted of seven members including three underage children. The family was said to be working in a poultry farm near the village. The incident came to light following information from the poultry farm owner who found them lying dead in the house at the farm. The family hailed from Munigadapa of Siddipeta district and was working at the poultry farm as labourers. Speaking to TNM, Yadagirigutta Inspector A Jangaiah said, “All seven of them were found dead at the site. It appears that they consumed poison in their dinner.” He added, “We are yet to find out the reasons behind this extreme step. We are probing the case from all angles.” While the investigating team is taking stock of the scene, samples of the food consumed by the dead family are also being procured to be sent for laboratory examination. Police said the relatives of the deceased family have been informed about the tragic incident. Telangana state has been witnessing several of these tragic incidents in recent times. Earlier in July, five members of a family, including three minor girls, from Kandugula village of Huzurabad mandal in Karimnagar district allegedly committed suicide after being accused of being ‘sorcerers’. Neighbouring Suryapeta also witnessed a similar tragedy in September, when the family of a PSU employee, consisting of six members including two children, allegedly committed suicide due to financial troubles and pressure from moneylenders on repayment of loans. Just last week, it was reported that a family of three allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide at Vuturu village of Manakonduru mandal in Karimnagar district. In Tamil Nadu, a daily wage worker, his wife and two children had set themselves on fire outside the Tirunelveli Collectorate in October after their complaints over harassment from loan sharks fell on deaf ears. All four family members succumbed to their burn injuries. The family was a victim of ‘Kandhu vatti,’ an illegal practice that has a pervasive presence across TN, which borrowers resort to when they need money urgently. The exorbitant interest rates charged in such loans sometimes end up costing borrowers many times the original loan amount. This is a developing story.