A deeply disturbing case of debt-driven despair has emerged from Kolkata, where financial burdens led to a tragic sequence of events, culminating in the deaths of three family members. The Kolkata Police have uncovered harrowing details of a failed suicide pact that turned into an act of violence, leaving the city in shock.
Tragedy Unfolds in Tangra
On February 19, authorities discovered three bodies inside a residence in Tangra, an area on the outskirts of Kolkata. The revelation came after two brothers and a teenager crashed their vehicle into a pillar in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. When questioned, they disclosed the horrifying truth about the events that had transpired in their home.
A Pact That Turned Fatal
During police interrogation, one of the brothers, Prasun Dey, admitted to taking the lives of his wife, Romi Dey, their 14-year-old daughter, and his sister-in-law, Sudeshna Dey. Investigators believe that an overwhelming debt of Rs 16 crore pushed the family towards a collective suicide plan, which ultimately failed, leading to the tragic murders.
The Dey brothers, Prasun and Pranay, lived with their wives and children in the same household. Struggling under massive financial pressure, they reportedly agreed to end their lives together. The situation took a turn when their initial plan—consuming sleeping pills mixed in payesh (a rice pudding dish)—did not work, forcing them to consider an alternative method.
A Night of Horror
According to Prasun Dey’s confession, the horrifying series of events began when he smothered his daughter using a pillow, with his wife assisting in the act. In a desperate attempt to take her own life, Romi Dey slit her wrists, but when that did not succeed, Prasun stepped in to ensure her death by slitting her throat. He then used the same method to kill his sister-in-law.
After committing the murders, Prasun and Pranay left the house with Pranay’s teenage son in their vehicle. In the early hours of February 19, they deliberately crashed their car into a pillar, allegedly as part of their suicide plan. However, they survived the impact and were later taken to Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital under police watch.
Debt-Driven Despair
Investigations have revealed that the family was drowning in debt amounting to Rs 16 crore. The brothers struggled to meet financial obligations, including unpaid EMIs totaling Rs 47 lakh for two of their three cars. The crushing financial strain likely drove them to consider the extreme step.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Following his release from the hospital, Prasun Dey was taken into police custody after extensive questioning. He was presented in court, which has remanded him to police custody until March 6. Investigators are now awaiting a formal statement from Pranay Dey, who remains hospitalized. Authorities continue to probe the case, aiming to understand the full extent of the circumstances that led to this heart-wrenching tragedy.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of financial distress and the urgent need for mental health and financial support systems to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes.
