Maharashtra: Covid-positive man ends life hours before son dies in hospital

KOLHAPUR: A 56-year-old priest, distraught after testing positive for Covid-19 along with four other family members, ended his life at his residence in the Dudhgaon village of Sangli district on Sunday.
Police have recorded the death as an accidental death.
The deceased and members of his family — wife, two sons and a daughter-in-law — had tested positive for Covid-19 a few days ago. In the family, only the priest’s young granddaughter had tested negative.
His 34-year-old son, however, had to be admitted to the Miraj hospital as his condition was critical.
As another blow to the family, this son succumbed to the infection within hours of his father’s suicide. The son was not aware of his father’s death.
Miraj police have recorded the statements of family members and neighbours.
The preliminary inquiry suggests the 56-year-old priest was stressed following the positive tests of his family members. While all others were asked to quarantine themselves at home, his eldest son, who was into computer business, had to be admitted to a Miraj hospital.
This son’s condition further distressed the priest, said the police.