In a deeply distressing incident, a 35-year-old man allegedly killed his three minor children before dying by suicide at his residence in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district in the early hours of Thursday, police said.
The incident occurred at Tudumuladinne village in Uyyalawada mandal. The man, a construction labourer, was living alone with his children following the death of his wife last year.
Tragedy discovered on New Year morning
The incident came to light when the man’s mother visited the house on Thursday morning to spend time with her grandchildren on New Year’s Day. When there was no response despite repeated knocks, she looked inside and found her son and the three children lying motionless.
Police were immediately alerted and rushed to the spot.
According to officials, the man’s body was found hanging in the bedroom, while the bodies of his two daughters, aged seven and four, and his two-year-old son were found on a bed.
Family history and mental distress
Police said the man’s wife, a 32-year-old woman from Ramapuram village in Kolimigundla mandal, had died by suicide on August 16 last year after prolonged health issues.
“Since his wife’s death, he was under severe mental and emotional stress,” said Uyyalawada sub-inspector of police P Rami Reddy.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the man had spoken to several friends over the phone on Wednesday night, exchanging New Year greetings. Call data records indicate that his last call was made around 1 am.
Investigators believe the man was struggling with psychological distress, financial difficulties and the pressure of raising three young children alone. However, police said the exact motive would be established only after a detailed investigation.
Police probe underway
A case has been registered, and the bodies have been shifted to the Allagadda Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. Further details are expected to emerge following forensic and medical reports.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents describing the family as quiet and reclusive after the woman’s death last year.