A heartbreaking mass suicide case in Surat has left a seven-year-old girl orphaned, with her brief statement offering a glimpse into the final moments before the tragedy.
The incident occurred on February 24 at around 11 a.m. at a flat in the Vesu area, located in Happy Elegance Apartments. According to police, Balmukund Khetan, also known as Bittu, allegedly poisoned his wife Priyanka and their two daughters—Bhavya (9) and Parthivi (7)—before consuming poison himself.
Soon after their condition worsened, Priyanka reportedly called her father, Sanjay Agarwal, saying her husband had fainted and asking him to come urgently. When Priyanka’s mother reached the apartment, she found the door open and the younger granddaughter, Parthivi, outside in distress. Inside the house, Balmukund was found dead, while Priyanka and Bhavya were unconscious. Parthivi was vomiting and in critical condition.
All family members were rushed to the hospital. Balmukund died the same day, while Priyanka and Bhavya succumbed the following morning. Parthivi survived and is currently safe.
Police later recovered a three-page suicide note, allegedly written by Priyanka. In the note, she claimed she was under severe mental pressure from a moneylender, Vaibhav Rungta, who had allegedly harassed her over loan repayment, seized her moped, and misused her credit card for purchases amounting to ₹1.59 lakh. Police said the accused is currently absconding and that the motive will be fully established after his arrest.
According to doctors, Parthivi survived because she vomited soon after consuming the substance. Her vomiting alerted her, and she managed to open the door, which drew the attention of neighbours.
Police sources said the child told them that her parents were writing something in a notebook before the incident and that her mother had given both daughters something to drink, after which they fell ill. Investigators believe this notebook may be linked to the suicide note recovered from the scene.
Post-mortem examinations of the deceased have been conducted, and the investigation is ongoing.
