A chilling wave of shock gripped South Kolkata’s Rajdanga locality late on Tuesday night after three members of a family were found dead under mysterious circumstances in their multi-storey apartment.
The deceased have been identified as Sarajit Bhattacharya (69), his wife Gargi Bhattacharya (68), and their son Ayushman Bhattacharya (38). All three were discovered hanging inside their residence, in what police suspect to be a mass suicide, though injury marks on two of the bodies have led investigators to also consider possible foul play.
Police recovered a brief note at the scene stating, “We have taken this decision voluntarily.” However, officials remain cautious. “Though the flat was locked from the inside, suggesting suicide, the cut marks on the mother and son’s bodies cannot be ignored,” said a senior police officer.
According to police sources, Sarajit worked as a land and house broker. Locals described the family as reclusive, mentioning that Sarajit and his son would occasionally be seen fetching water in the mornings. Ayushman reportedly had mobility issues, which made walking difficult. The family largely kept to themselves and maintained minimal social contact.
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On Tuesday, neighbours grew concerned after noticing the flat had remained shut throughout the day. Alerted by their prolonged absence, they contacted Kasba police station. Responding officers found the collapsible gate locked from the inside and the wooden door bolted. After breaking into the flat, police discovered Sarajit’s body hanging from a ceiling fan in the living room. In an adjoining bedroom, Gargi and Ayushman were found hanging as well.
What has puzzled police are the multiple injury marks on the bodies of Gargi and Ayushman. All three bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, which is expected to clarify the cause and manner of death.
Investigators are currently weighing two main possibilities—a joint suicide pact, or a double homicide followed by suicide. Forensic teams have collected samples from the apartment and are assisting in the probe.
“Many questions remain unanswered. What drove the family to this tragic end? Was it indeed a suicide pact — or is there more to this tragedy than meets the eye? We are probing into the incident to find answers to all these questions,” said a police officer involved in the case.
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