The mystery surrounding the triple murder and alleged suicide attempt that shook Kolkata last month appears to have been unravelled. On February 19, three members of a family were found dead in their Tangra home on the city’s outskirts. The case came to light after two brothers and the son of one of them crashed their car into a pillar, allegedly attempting to end their lives. Upon questioning at the hospital, they revealed the existence of three bodies at their residence, leading police to investigate further.
Chilling confession
During interrogation, one of the brothers, Prasun Dey, confessed to murdering his wife Romi Dey, their 14-year-old daughter, and his sister-in-law Sudeshna Dey. Investigations revealed that a staggering Rs 16 crore debt had driven the family to contemplate suicide. Prasun and his brother, Pranay Dey, had initially made a pact with their wives to end their lives due to the overwhelming financial burden.
According to sources, on February 17, the family of six consumed ‘payesh’ (rice pudding) laced with sleeping pills. However, when they all woke up the next day, the brothers and their wives resorted to an alternative plan. Their children were reportedly unaware of the tragic pact.
Prasun Dey admitted to smothering his daughter with a pillow while his wife held her feet. Romi Dey then attempted to take her own life by slitting her wrists but failed, prompting Prasun to do it for her. He later killed his sister-in-law in the same manner.
After committing the murders, Prasun and Pranay Dey left their home with Pranay’s son in a car. Around 3 a.m., they crashed into a pillar, claiming it was a suicide attempt. The police are now seeking to record Pranay Dey’s statement and take him into custody as he recovers from injuries in the hospital.
Prasun and Pranay Dey were treated at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital under police watch. Following his release, Prasun was arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody until March 6.
Massive debt
Further investigation revealed that the family was struggling with an enormous debt of Rs 16 crore, which led them to take such extreme measures. Reports suggest that two of their three-car EMIs, amounting to nearly Rs 47 lakh, were overdue.
The Kolkata Police continue to investigate the case, focusing on the financial distress that pushed the family into such a horrific act. Authorities are also looking into the extent of Pranay Dey’s involvement in the crime and whether more details will emerge in the coming days.