KKN Gurugram Desk | A heart-wrenching incident has emerged from Panchkula, Haryana, where seven members of the same family were found dead in a suspected case of mass suicide. Initial reports indicate the deaths were premeditated, with mounting financial pressure cited as the primary cause.

The central figure in the case, Praveen, a 40-year-old businessman originally from Barwala, Hisar, had been residing in Panchkula for the last 12 years. On the surface, the family appeared well-settled, but behind the scenes, crippling debt and persistent threats appear to have driven them to the edge.

₹15–20 Crore Debt Led to the Breaking Point

According to Praveen’s relatives, the deceased was facing a debt load of approximately ₹15 to ₹20 crore. The family’s financial situation deteriorated after Praveen’s scrap factory in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, was seized by a bank due to unpaid loans a few years ago.

Since then, the situation worsened:

• Praveen allegedly took private loans from various sources to stay afloat

• Loan recovery agents reportedly harassed and threatened him frequently

• He also mortgaged personal property in desperate attempts to repay debt

Relatives claim he was under immense mental stress and had recently spoken about his fears for his family’s safety.

 Timeline: How the Business Crumbled

Praveen started his scrap metal business in Baddi industrial area, hoping to tap into the growing demand. The business initially did well but ran into trouble due to:

• Delayed payments from buyers

• Increased operational costs

• Unregulated competition

As debts mounted, banks began issuing recovery notices, eventually seizing the factory. This loss became a major psychological setback for Praveen.

 Threats and Intimidation: The Family’s Last Few Months

In the months leading up to the tragedy, neighbors and relatives report noticing:

• Distressed behavior from Praveen and his wife

• Reduced social interactions and withdrawal from community events

• Alleged visits from loan agents and recovery personnel

• Phone threats involving not just financial demands but warnings of harm to his wife and children

One family member told local reporters:

“He once said that they (moneylenders) won’t let him or his family live in peace.”

 Who Were the Victims?

The seven deceased include:

1. Praveen – Businessman

2. His wife – Homemaker

3. Three children – Aged between 8 and 15

4. Praveen’s elderly mother

5. A relative who was visiting the family

Police found suicide notes believed to be written by Praveen, in which he mentioned being “sorry” for what he was about to do and blamed financial pressures for the family’s situation.

 Psychological Toll of Business Failure

Experts believe that India’s small business owners often suffer silently under unsustainable debt due to:

• Lack of mental health support

• Social stigma around financial failure

• Predatory lending practices by private financiers

• Fear of legal action or violence from moneylenders

In Praveen’s case, a combination of business collapse, harassment, and psychological isolation may have driven him to view suicide as the only escape.

Police Investigation Underway

The local police in Panchkula have:

• Sealed the residence

• Collected digital and physical evidence, including suicide notes

• Initiated inquiries into loan records, phone call logs, and property disputes

They are also questioning local moneylenders, and examining CCTV footage to trace any recent suspicious activity.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of abetment to suicide, especially if evidence of coercion or physical threats surfaces.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

• Over 12,000 individuals involved in business or self-employment died by suicide in 2023

• Many were due to loan defaults, business failure, and debt traps

• The majority of these were small to medium-scale entrepreneurs with little legal or psychological support

The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by market disruptions and inflation, has further crippled MSMEs, making them vulnerable to financial collapse.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The Panchkula incident has sparked debate over:

• The mental health crisis among business owners

• The role of illegal moneylenders and recovery agents

• The failure of the banking system to offer relief

Local political leaders have urged:

• Immediate government support for small businesses

• Financial counselling helplines

• Strict regulation on private lending practices

The heartbreaking story from Panchkula is not just a tale of financial ruin — it’s a warning signal for a system that continues to neglect mental health, business security, and regulation of lending practices.

Praveen’s family may have perished, but their story must drive change — in policy, perception, and support systems — to prevent future tragedies born out of desperation and silence.