Eleven in a family found dead, hanging blindfolded in Burari; Delhi police suspect 'mystical practices' behind deaths

NEW DELHI: Eleven people from the same family were found dead early Sunday morning in Burari area of Delhi. The police investigation is but prima facie suicide due to certain "spiritual/mystical" practice seems to be the motive behind the deaths.

According to the police's preliminary investigation, it seems that seven women, four men committed suicide. The 10 bodies were found hanging from iron ceiling early morning but and one senior citizen, the oldest member of the family was found dead in the adjacent room. The dead bodies were found in a state where mouth and eyes of the victims were tied and taped.

While post-mortem reports are still awaited the Delhi police in a statement said "The house was found to been neither ransacked nor any precious item, including mobile phones found missing. The gold jewellery on the bodies of the females was found intact. During search of the house certain hand written notes has been found which point towards observance of some spiritual/mystical practices by the whole family".

The two brothers who live together in the Sant Nagar area in joint family-run businesses of furniture and grocery store in the neighbourhood. "When we reached the shop in the morning usually it is open and running early around seven, but today they were not, which is very unusual as they are very particular about timings. Few of us waited for some time more after which we knocked on the main door of the home, where we were shocked to see" said an eyewitness.

Sixty-year-old Partibha, daughter of Narayan also lived with the family, the dead body of 10 people were found on the first floor while Narayan's body was found in other room. The police further revealed that basically the family belongs to Rajasthan but had been living in the national capital for more than 20 years. Delhi police forensic teams along with senior police officials reached the spot and have cordoned off the lane leading to the two storied house.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has returned from his Bangalore trip also visited the area where the incident took place to take stock of situation. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari also visited the locality expressing condolence.

If you're having any suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Talk about what bothers you and what can be done to solve the problem. You can also call one of the following numbers: INDIA SUICIDE HELPLINE India: International Bipolar Foundation +91-8888817666 AASRA-022-27546669 or 27546667 Email: aasrahelpline@yahoo.com Lifeline Foundation ( Kolkata ) 033-2474 4704 /033-24745886 /033-24745255 Roshni Foundation ( Secundrabad ) 040-7904646