Three members of a Malayali family were found dead in Pune's Pimpri area in a case that police suspect was linked to severe financial distress. Investigators have recovered a suicide note and a container believed to have held sodium nitrate, while the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.

The deceased were identified as Vinod Pillai (50), his wife Sirja Pillai (45) and their 19-year-old daughter, Purnima Pillai. The family, originally from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, had been living in a rented home in Morwadi after moving to the Pimpri area around three years ago.

Police said the incident came to light after Sirja, who worked as a school coordinator, failed to report for work. Concerned colleagues were unable to reach her by phone and alerted relatives. Family members who visited the house found the three unconscious and informed the police.

Vinod was declared dead on Saturday. Sirja and Purnima were admitted to hospital in critical condition but died during treatment on Sunday.

Financial distress, sodium nitrate recovery under investigation

Police said a note recovered from the house, along with another version found on Vinod's mobile phone, indicated that the family had been facing prolonged financial difficulties. According to investigators, the note stated that financial problems had led to the decision and that no other person should be held responsible.

The investigation has also revealed that Vinod had reportedly lost his job at an engineering company about one-and-a-half years ago and had remained unemployed since then. Police are examining whether the family's worsening financial condition contributed to the tragedy.

Investigators recovered a container believed to have contained sodium nitrate from the house. Police said they suspect the chemical had been purchased online and have sent recovered materials for forensic examination to determine their role in the deaths. Officials have not yet released the forensic findings.

Police also found that the family had sold their house in Nehru Nagar around three years ago to repay debts and had since been living in rented accommodation in Morwadi.

A case has been registered at Sant Tukaram Nagar police station. Investigators are awaiting forensic reports and continue to examine the evidence to establish the complete sequence of events.

Note: Suicide is never a solution. Seek help from a mental health professional and try to get through this difficult period. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in emotional distress, contact the DISHA helpline. (Toll-free: 1056; Phone: 0471-2552056)