Mom, Two Daughters Killed Themselves By Turning Home Into Gas Chamber

A family of three allegedly died by suicide after inhaling toxic fumes within their home in Delhi, India’s capital city, authorities said.

The 55-year-old mother, Manju Shrivastava, and her two daughters 30-year-old Anshika Srivastava, and 26-year-old Ankita Srivastava were found dead inside their home in Vasant Vihar on May 21.

Police said the inside of the house had been converted into a gas chamber.

All the windows, doors, and ventilating points of the home were blocked with foil-like material, most likely to stop smoke from escaping outside.

Investigators gathered evidence that led them to believe that all these things were ordered online, NDTV reported.

Four suicide notes were found from the scene which suggested that the family had allegedly been facing financial difficulties.

"It appears that the family was suffering from depression," said Manoj C, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest).

"The police team managed to open the door and found a partially-open gas cylinder and four suicide notes. Upon checking the inner room, three dead bodies were found lying on the bed along with three small candles and an angithi," DCP Manoj added.

The note also detailed the suicide plan and had instructions for anyone who found them.

The note read, "Too much deadly gas... carbon monoxide inside. It's flammable. Please ventilate the room by opening the window and opening the fan. Do not light a match, candle, or anything!! Be careful while removing the curtain because the room is full of hazardous gas. Do not inhale."

Police suspect that the coal fire and blockage of ventilation produced carbon monoxide inside the room in the house, leading to the family's death.

The domestic help and neighbours told police that Manju's husband, Umesh Chandra Srivastava, had died of Covid last year and the family had been dealing with financial crisis since then. Reports said Manju was also unwell and had been confined to the bed.

A further investigation in the matter is underway.