Nine family members found dead after alleged ‘debt suicide pact’ – World News

Nine family members have been found dead after a suspected suicide pact due to financial problems. They have been described by locals as “caring and fond of animals”.

A 15-year-old girl was among nine members of a “caring and animal-loving” family found dead of financial debt in what appeared to be a suicide pact.

The bodies were found in two separate houses belonging to two brothers of the family in Sangli district of Maharashtra, India.

Only two cats remain in one of the houses with the family, described by locals as “caring and animal-loving”, including a veterinarian, Dr. Manic Vanmore.

Police believe the nine people died after consuming poison and the family was struggling financially, Indian Express reported.

Suicide letters relate to “repeated and public” harassment the family faced from moneylenders who were “both mental and physical,” it said.

The ages of the family range from a 15-year-old girl to a 72-year-old woman.

The brothers are Popat Yallapa Vanmore, 52, and Dr. Manik Yallapa Vanmore, 49.

The seven other bodies were identified as Sangeeta Popat Vanmore (48), Archana Popat Vanmore (30), Shubham Popat Vanmore (28), Rekha Manik Vanmore (45), Aditya Manik Vanmore (15), Anita Manik Vanmore (28), and Akkatai Vanmore (72) identified.

Footage taken at the scene shows the bodies lying in rooms.

They were found by locals who noticed the front doors hadn’t been opened in a while.

Dixit Kumar Gedam, District Superintendent of Sangli Police, said: “Nine bodies were recovered in Mhaisal Village of Sangli District, of which three bodies were recovered from one house and six bodies from the other house.

“The forensic team is on site.”

Police investigations are currently underway and officials are registering an unnatural cause of death. The bodies are sent for autopsy.

15 people from the area who allegedly lent the brothers money have been arrested and police are looking for 10 other suspects, she said Indian Express.

A family friend, Ashwini Sawant, said they are a “caring” family.

“I literally grew up in their home,” he said.

“Everyone was very caring and considered me one of them. From all the special dishes cooked at their home to all the important events, I’ve been there. Less than a week ago I came to their house for a Paani Puri party.

“They were a happy family and loved animals. But I also know that they have suffered from stress over the last few years because of debt. But we could never have imagined that.”

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