Nalanda family of four dead; financial stress suspected

Patna

A tragic incident unfolded in Nalanda district, Bihar, where four members of a family allegedly died after consuming poison, while the father remains in critical condition. The incident occurred in Pawa village, near the Pawapuri Jal Mandir, where the family had been living in a rented house for the past six months.

The deceased include Soni Kumari (38) and her three children — Deepa (16), Shivam (15), and Arika (14). The father, Dharmendra Kumar (40), who runs a small clothing shop, is being treated at VIMS Hospital in Rajgir.

Police suspect financial stress as the main reason behind the incident. The family was reportedly under severe pressure due to a Rs 5 lakh loan taken from a private moneylender at a high interest rate. Officials believe repeated harassment over repayments may have driven the family to take the extreme step.

Fortunately, the youngest son survived as he did not consume the suspected poisoned food. He is currently safe and under police protection.

Local police, including DSP Sunil Kumar and Inspectors Manish Bhardwaj and Deepak Kumar, have begun an investigation. While the incident is being treated as a possible case of suicide driven by financial burden, the exact cause will be confirmed after post-mortem reports.

The district administration has formed a medical board for autopsy procedures. The case has sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the mental health challenges and dangers of informal lending that many low-income families face.