Panchkula, Haryana | May 27, 2025 —
In a heartbreaking discovery that has sent shockwaves across the state, 7 members of a family were found dead inside a parked vehicle in Panchkula district on Sunday morning. The tragic scene was accompanied by a suicide note that points toward overwhelming financial pressure as the motive behind the suspected mass suicide.
Local residents and authorities alike are struggling to process the scale of the loss — and the silence that preceded it.
The Discovery
Early Sunday morning, a white Toyota Innova sat quietly near Morni Hills for hours — its stillness raising concern among locals. Concerned passersby notified the police. When officers forced the vehicle open, they found seven people — including two teenage girls and an elderly woman — dead inside.
There were no visible signs of violence or struggle, and the doors were locked from the inside. Forensic teams were immediately summoned.
Victims Identified
Authorities later confirmed the identities of the deceased. All were members of the Bansal family, originally from Jind district, currently residing in Panchkula.
The victims include:
- Rajesh Bansal (45) – Small business owner
- Pooja Bansal (42) – Rajesh’s wife
- Priya Bansal (17) – Their daughter
- Sunita Bansal (68) – Rajesh’s mother
- Anil Bansal (40) – Rajesh’s younger brother
- Neelam Bansal (38) – Anil’s wife
- Riya Bansal (13) – Anil and Neelam’s daughter
All of them appeared to have consumed a poisonous substance, according to initial post-mortem results.
The Suicide Note: A Plea for Forgiveness
Inside the vehicle, officers found a three-page handwritten suicide note, reportedly authored by Rajesh Bansal. The letter paints a harrowing picture of unrelenting financial stress, debt, and harassment by private moneylenders.
Key excerpts from the note read:
“We have no strength left. We have fought long enough… We don’t want to live in fear anymore.”
“No one should be blamed. This was our decision. Please forgive us.”
Sources say the letter details failed attempts to repay debts, humiliation from recovery agents, and the emotional toll on the children and elders in the family. Rajesh allegedly ended the note with a prayer: “Let our story not go unheard.”
Behind Closed Doors: The Struggles No One Saw
Local residents and shopkeepers are in a state of shock.
“They never hinted anything was wrong. Rajesh ji always smiled and greeted everyone. They kept their pain to themselves,” said Renu Sharma, a neighbor.
The Bansals had been living modestly in a rented house in Panchkula’s Sector 21. Rajesh was trying to revive his garment business after post-pandemic losses, while Anil was working as a delivery agent.
Debt, Despair, and the Dangerous Silence
What drove this educated, close-knit family to such a decision? Investigators believe the combination of financial collapse and social shame became unbearable. They had reportedly borrowed from both banks and informal sources, including private lenders known for harsh recovery tactics.
Many don’t realize how deeply debt can affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
“This is not an isolated event. Economic despair is one of the leading causes of family suicides in India,” said Dr. Meera Choudhary, a clinical psychologist.
“When financial anxiety escalates and support systems fail, people see no way out.”
Police Investigation Underway
Police Commissioner Saurabh Singh addressed media, confirming that:
- No external injuries were found on the bodies
- The doors of the car were locked from the inside
- The suicide note is being treated as a primary lead
- Toxicology tests confirm poison ingestion
- A case has been registered under Section 174 (unnatural death)
“While the evidence supports mass suicide, we are not ruling out the involvement of recovery agents who may have harassed the family,” Singh added.
The police are now reviewing financial records, call logs, and CCTV footage to establish the full timeline.
Public Outcry and Government Response
The tragedy has triggered widespread outrage, with many citizens and activists demanding stricter regulations on private moneylending and better access to financial counseling.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called the incident “a devastating loss” and promised a state-level audit of harassment by illegal loan recovery agents.
In a statement, he said:
“We will ensure justice for the Bansal family. No one should ever have to suffer in silence because of debt.”
The Bigger Picture: A Mental Health Crisis Brewing
This heartbreaking event highlights deeper issues in Indian society — where mental health struggles, especially related to finances, remain taboo.
Non-profits like AASRA and iCall are urging families to reach out for help when signs of stress and depression appear, especially in financially distressed households.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or facing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out:
- AASRA: +91-9820466726
- iCall: 9152987821
- Kiran Helpline: 1800-599-0019
These are free, confidential, 24/7 services available nationwide.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Silent Tragedy
The death of seven people from one family is not just a statistic — it’s a call for us to reflect.
Are we truly listening to those around us? Do we check in on people beyond their smiles? Are we building a society that forgives financial failure — or punishes it with shame?
The Bansals’ death was not just about debt. It was about helplessness. It was about not knowing where to go. Let this be the last time a family believes silence is safer than asking for help.
Editorial Note
This article aims to shed light on not just what happened, but why it happened — and how as a society, we can prevent such heartbreaking incidents. Help is always available. Always.
