Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, August 25 (TNA) In a tragic incident in Srisailam, five members of a family were found dead in a private pilgrims’ lodge room, with police suspecting suicide linked to financial distress. The family, residents of Battalapalli village in Sri Sathya Sai district, had reportedly arrived on July 28 and had taken room number 11 at the lodge.
According to the report, the family had been going out during the day and returning to the lodge for meals, but no one emerged from the room for three days. When a foul smell began to spread, the lodge manager looked through the window and found the bodies hanging inside, after which police were informed immediately.
Police said three women were found hanging in the bathroom, while one man and a 15-year-old boy were found hanging from a ceiling fan inside the room. The deceased were identified as Sudhakar (36), Gogula Adilakshmi (50), Malleshwari (45), Sridevi (33) and Manikantha (15).
Officials suspect the family may have taken the extreme step because of heavy debt and financial hardship. Police also said the three women were sisters, two of whom had been abandoned by their husbands, while one was unmarried; one of the sisters’ sons was also among the dead.
After the incident came to light, Srisailam Devasthanam chairman Pothugunta Ramesh Naidu and Executive Officer Srinivas Rao inspected the room and expressed strong concern over the lodge management’s role. They questioned how the family was allowed to stay beyond the permitted 48-hour limit and said notices would be issued to the lodge management.
DSP Ramji Naik said the death appears to be a suicide possibly linked to financial distress, but the case is being investigated from all angles. The families of the deceased in Battalapalli have been informed, officials said.