Family of four commits suicide over ‘quarrel’

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A family of four was found dead in their home at Munambam in Kochi in the wee hours of Monday. The deceased were identified as Antony (45), his wife Sabeth (40), daughter Ancy (15) and son, Prince (14). They were found hanging in two rooms, the police said.

In a suicide note found in their room, Antony mentioned that shame over a quarrel with neighbours led to the suicides.

Police ruled out the possibility of financial problems as the cause of their taking the extreme step. The family was financially sound, though they weren’t rich, said K.C. Joy, the sub inspector of Munambam police station.

Sabeth, who used to sweep her courtyard at 5 am every day, did not turn up on Monday morning. This prompted the women in the neighbourhood to go looking for her, only to see that the four were hanging lifeless in two different rooms, the sub inspector added. Antony and Ancy were hanging in one room and Sabeth and Prince were found in store room.

Antony was a fish vendor. The children were studying in Pallippuram St Mary’s High School. Police are set to question the neighbours in connection with the suicide.