Lucknow: A kiosk operator allegedly consumed poison along with his family, resulting in the death of his wife and elder son, while he remains in critical condition, police said.The incident took place in Neeva village under Banthra police station limits. The deceased have been identified as Tarawati (52) and her son Sandeep (30). The head of the family, Roop Narayan Chaurasia (55), is undergoing treatment at a private hospital on Kanpur Road, where his condition is stated to be critical. According to police, Roop Narayan ran a tea and snacks kiosk in the Kati Bagiya area on Kanpur Road. On Thursday evening, he, along with his wife and son Sandeep, returned home from work. The younger son, Kuldeep (25), who was at home, went to sleep in the verandah, while the three retired to a room inside. Around 4 am on Friday, Kuldeep woke up to find the room door open and his father vomiting profusely. Upon entering, he found his mother and brother lying unconscious. Panic-stricken, he alerted his uncle, who rushed to the spot and found both Tarawati and Sandeep dead, with froth coming out of their mouths. Roop Narayan was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, while police were informed by the village head. Preliminary investigation suggests suspected suicide by consumption of poison. A note recovered from Sandeep’s pocket reportedly stated that the three took the extreme step on their own and that no one else should be held responsible. Locals, however, claimed the family was under financial stress due to an unpaid bank loan, with repeated recovery notices being served. A torn five-page notice was also found pasted outside the house, though its contents could not be fully ascertained. Villagers further claimed that a man posing as a representative of a digital payment company visited the house days earlier regarding the loan. Police are also examining other angles, including family stress due to prolonged medical issues. Tarawati was bedridden after a spinal injury sustained two years ago, while Sandeep earlier suffered injuries in an accident, leading to significant medical expenses. ACP Krishnanagar Rajneesh Verma said the exact reason behind the step is yet to be established.
