Investigation revealed that Geetha Krishnan (53) and his deceased wife Kalpana, a professor at a private college, had decided to kill both their daughters and commit suicide as they were unable to settle their mounting debt.

“On December 2, the couple gave pesticide to their elder daughter Gunali Sri, a Class 8 student. However, since the pesticide did not work as they expected, they strangulated the 13-year-old girl to death, after which Kalpana hanged self from the ceiling. However, Geetha Krishnan changed mind after his wife died and fled with his younger daughter,” said police.

Police traced Geetha Krishnan near Vellore and rescued his younger daughter. “He had been roaming to different districts by bus,” said police. He was remanded in judicial custody while his daughter was handed over to a kin.