Madurai (Tamil Nadu): In a shocking incident, a debt-ridden couple fed insecticide to their three children and ingested the same in a bid to commit suicide in their house at Uranda Urappanur village near Tirumangalam in Madurai district early on Tuesday.
Police said Palpandi (41) and his wife Sivajothi (32) had taken over Rs ten lakhs as loans from two private banks to run their pickle business.
The couple was depressed for the last few days owing to losses in business and unable to repay the loan. The bank recovery agents reportedly pressured them to pay the dues.
Reeling under financial difficulties, the couple forcibly fed insecticide to their son Janardhanan (14), two daughters Darshana (12), and Darshika (12) and consumed the same.
As the children started vomiting and fell unconscious, the couple took them to the government hospital at Tirumangalam and informed the doctors that they consumed insecticide.
After providing first aid, all five members of the family were shifted to the Government Rajaji Hospital for treatment.
Tirumangalam police have registered a case and are investigating.