Pune Man Under Pressure from Moneylenders Kills Wife and Son, Attempts Suicide

A shocking incident of desperation and tragedy has emerged from Pune’s Chikhali area. A 45-year-old man, reportedly driven to his breaking point by relentless harassment from moneylenders, took the lives of his 36-year-old wife and 9-year-old son before attempting to end his own life. Police intervened just in time to save him after being alerted by the man’s elder son, who was staying with relatives in Mumbai. A case has since been registered against four individuals for alleged harassment and intimidation.

The grim events unfolded on January 18. According to the police, the man allegedly gave sleeping pills to his wife and young son, which resulted in their deaths. Afterward, he attempted to hang himself from the ceiling fan in their apartment. However, his suicide attempt was thwarted when local police arrived on the scene, acting on a tip-off from neighbors who had been contacted by the man's elder son.

A senior police official from Pimpri Chinchwad stated, “The man administered sleeping pills to his wife and son, leading to their deaths. He then tried to hang himself. When we reached the apartment after being alerted by neighbors, we broke down the door and found the woman and child unresponsive. Fortunately, we discovered that the man was still alive and immediately rushed him to a private hospital for treatment.”

The tragedy came to light when the man sent a message to his 14-year-old son, who was staying with relatives in Mumbai. In the message, he expressed his intent to take his own life. Alarmed by the message, the boy quickly contacted neighbors and urged them to check on his family. The neighbors immediately informed the police, who responded swiftly to the distress call.

Upon arrival, the police found the lifeless bodies of the man’s wife and younger son. After further investigation, they realized the man was still alive. He was promptly rescued and transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the man had been under tremendous financial stress due to harassment from moneylenders. He had reportedly borrowed ₹6 lakh and ₹2 lakh from two lenders at a staggering 10% monthly interest rate, as well as ₹4 lakh from another lender at a similarly exorbitant rate. Despite repaying the borrowed principal amounts along with an additional ₹9 lakh, the lenders continued to harass him.

According to the police, the persistent intimidation and unreasonable demands from the moneylenders pushed the man to commit the unthinkable. “Even after repaying the principal amount and substantial interest, he was being continuously harassed. This appears to have driven him to take such a tragic step,” the official added.

Authorities have registered a case against four individuals suspected of being involved in the harassment. They are investigating further to determine the extent of the intimidation and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the emotional and psychological toll that financial stress can have on individuals and families. It also underscores the urgent need to regulate predatory lending practices and provide support for those struggling with debt.

Community Reacts with Shock

The incident has left the local community in shock and grief. Neighbors and relatives expressed disbelief at the turn of events, with many describing the family as seemingly normal and loving. “We had no idea they were going through such immense pressure,” said a neighbor.

The police have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the man’s elder son, who narrowly escaped the tragedy, is being cared for by relatives and receiving emotional support.

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of financial exploitation and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory practices.