A Barnala-based couple living in a paying guest accommodation along the Patiala Highway allegedly died after consuming a poisonous substance, with a purported suicide note accusing an old school acquaintance of cheating them of nearly ₹36 lakh on the promise of sending them abroad.
Identification of the deceased
The deceased have been identified as Gagandeep Kaur, a resident of Takke Ke Patti, Sekhan, Barnala, and her husband Hakam Singh, a resident of Mehmadpur, Barnala. The couple, who reportedly had a love marriage, had been staying at a PG in Zirakpur for some time.
Preliminary information
According to preliminary information, the couple allegedly consumed a poisonous substance at their accommodation on Friday. Their condition deteriorated soon after, following which they were rushed to a private hospital in Zirakpur. Gagandeep Kaur died during treatment, while Hakam Singh, whose condition was reportedly critical, was referred to Chandigarh. He later succumbed to his condition.
The bodies have been kept at the PGIMER Chandigarh mortuary for post-mortem examination and other legal procedures.
Suicide Note Alleges ₹36 Lakh Fraud
Police have reportedly recovered a purported suicide note from the spot. In the note, Hakam Singh allegedly accused a person known to him from his school days of taking money from the couple on the promise of sending them abroad.
The alleged accused had reportedly gained the couple's trust because of their previous acquaintance. According to the note, the couple paid ₹18 lakh each, amounting to approximately ₹36 lakh, for the promised overseas arrangements.
However, the couple allegedly claimed that neither of them was sent abroad nor was the money returned despite repeated attempts to recover the amount.
Financial Dispute Under Police Investigation
The alleged fraud and the circumstances leading to the couple's deaths are now under investigation. Police are examining the allegations made in the purported suicide note and are also collecting statements from the families.
Investigators are expected to verify when and how the ₹36 lakh was transferred, identify the recipient of the money and examine any bank transactions, documents, communication records and other evidence connected with the alleged overseas arrangement.
Police are also investigating the role of the person named in the note. The allegations contained in the note have not yet been independently established, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The case has once again highlighted the risks faced by people who rely on informal or personal networks while making large payments for overseas travel or employment arrangements. Authorities are expected to establish the complete sequence of events and determine whether the alleged financial fraud had any direct connection with the couple's deaths.
