New Delhi: A chilling tragedy unfolded in south Delhi’s Kalkaji on Friday afternoon when a 52-year-old woman and her two sons were found hanging inside their rented home, in what police believe to be a case of mass suicide driven by crushing debt and prolonged depression.

The deaths came to light around 2.45 pm when a court bailiff, accompanied by local police, arrived at the two-storey house to execute a court-ordered eviction after months of unpaid rent. Repeated knocks on the door went unanswered, prompting officials to use a duplicate key to gain entry.

Inside one of the rooms, police found the woman and her sons — aged 32 and 27 — hanging from a ceiling fan, their bodies aligned side by side, officials said.

A handwritten suicide note spanning one-and-a-half pages was recovered from the scene. According to investigators familiar with the probe, the note pointed to severe financial distress, unemployment, and long-term depression.

Police said the family had been unable to work due to mental health struggles. One of the sons, aged 27, was reportedly preparing for the UPSC examination.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari confirmed that inquest proceedings have been initiated under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The bodies were shifted to the AIIMS mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Police sources revealed that the family had been living in the house since December 2023, paying rent only for the initial months. The monthly rent was ₹25,000. Their financial condition worsened after the death of the woman’s husband in 2024.

“The husband was a property dealer who had taken loans from several acquaintances and could not repay them. After his death, the family was left burdened with debt,” a police officer said on condition of anonymity.

Neighbours told police that the family had grown increasingly withdrawn and isolated over the past few months. Investigators also revealed that the two brothers had allegedly attempted suicide two months ago, a detail now being closely examined.

Police are analysing digital devices, financial documents, and the suicide note to reconstruct the sequence of events and determine the immediate trigger behind the deaths.

Efforts are also underway to contact extended family members to understand the family’s last days. While no foul play has been suspected so far, officers said the investigation remains open.