Vellore, September 24: A couple allegedly hanged themselves to death in their home in Vellore early on Sunday morning, September 22, leaving their family in shock. Their elder daughter discovered them hanging from the ceiling in their room and immediately alerted the police. The 62-year-old mason K Murugesan and his 60-year-old wife M Mala alias Vaijantimala had been struggling with a financial dispute after lending a significant sum of money to a priest in Chennai. Following the priest's death, the couple faced challenges in recovering the loan, as the priest's family denied any knowledge of the debt.

According to a report by the Times of India, Kannan, the priest in question, had borrowed INR 11 lakh from Murugesan and Mala to remodel his home for his two sons. The loan was given in several instalments, and Kannan had assured the couple that he would repay them. However, after Kannan's death due to health complications two months prior, the couple decided to refrain from pressing the grieving family for repayment out of respect for their loss. Chennai: Teen Couple Enters Suicide Pact, Ends Life Together by Walking Into Sea After Parents' Objection to Their Relationship.

However, as time passed and they continued to face financial strain, they felt compelled to reach out to Kannan's family to discuss the outstanding debt. When the couple approached Kannan's wife and sons, they were met with shock and denial. The priest's family claimed they were unaware of any loans taken by him and dismissed the couple's request for repayment. Tamil Nadu Suicide Case: 55-Year-Old IAF Security Guard Shoots Self Dead at Avadi Air Force Base; Body Sent for Autopsy.

They advised Murugesan and Mala to consult Kannan directly, leaving the couple feeling hurt and frustrated by the lack of acknowledgement regarding the financial agreement. The situation escalated as the couple struggled with the emotional and financial burden, ultimately leading them to take the tragic decision to end their lives. In their suicide note, they expressed their despair over the unreturned loan and the distress it caused them.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2024 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).