Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (PS)
 
Kundapur, Apr 15: In a tragic incident reported from Jogur near Shiroor in Byndoor here on Saturday April 14, a rickshaw driver poisoned his two children before committing suicide.
 
Raju (38) hailing from Kerala was residing in Shiroor for the last 15 years and was earning his livelihood as a rickshaw driver. Two years ago, he married a girl from Jogur vicinity and he was operating his rickshaw in Shiroor-Thoodalli cross.

On Saturday, he fed poison to his son Pradeep (9) and daughter Priya (7), after which he too committed suicide. At this time his wife was away from home as she had gone for coolie work.
 
Though the reason for his extreme act is not known yet, he was said to be depressed since two days. Raju was also a good farmer and was a member of Shiroor Rickshaw Union. He was soft-spoken, it is said.
 
Rickshaw drivers say that Raju was in Thoodalli cross rickshaw stand on Friday night till 10 pm and was in a dull frame of mind.
 
Domestic issue is said to be the reason for his extreme action, as local people say.
 
Byndoor MLA K Laxminarayana visited Raju's house and consoled the grieving family and the villagers. Shiroor rickshaw drivers held harthal and paid homage to the departed souls.