Belagavi, 9 July

Three members of a family were found dead at their residence in Belagavi and one in a critical condition after allegedly consuming poison in what appears to be a suicide attempt.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohan Jagadish identified the deceased as a 44-year-old Mangala Kuradekar, her daughter Suvarna and son Santosh Kuradekar. Another daughter was found unconscious and was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital in Belagavi, where her condition is critical.

The family was in the goldsmith business. Jagadish said that a suicide note revealed that the family had been in financial distress after they were allegedly cheated by a fellow goldsmith, leading them to take the extreme step.

Sources said that Mangala, the head of the family, hailed from Uttara Kannada district and settled in Belagavi. She had been in the Sharapur goldsmith business for many years. Her husband had died few years ago.

Post-mortem reports confirmed the consumption of Aqua Regia, a highly corrosive chemical used in gold purification. Medical staff described the substance as potentially more lethal than cyanide. 

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