Daijiworld Media Network - Chikmagalur (SP)

Chikmagalur, Feb 1: A man, unable to handle the crisis arising out of his wife's illness, fed poison to his wife and two children before hanging himself on the night of Friday January 30. The family ceased to exist on the same night after celebrating the first birthday of the youngest member of the family, a son. The incident came to light on Saturday.

Umesh (30), his wife, Jayalakshmi (27), daughter, Hema (4) and son, Shivu (1), lost their lives in this fashion. The family was living in Hosamane extension in the town. In a death note left behind, Umesh said the decision to perish together was taken in view of Jayalakshmi's chronic illness, and that the family members themselves were responsible for their deaths.

Umesh, who worked as tractor driver, had taken a day off on Friday to celebrate his son's birthday. After celebrating the birthday of Shivu in the company of neighbours and friends, family members had retired for the night. Umesh fed poison to his wife and two kids thereafter, perhaps by mixing it with some food stuff, and after confirming that his wife and two children had breathed their last, he hanged himself by using a veil, it is learnt.

The tractor owner, who was waiting for Umesh's arrival on Saturday, went to check after finding that Umesh did not report for duty even after 8 am. After finding out what had happened, he called the police. A case stands registered in this respect in the town police station.