A tragic chain of events has left a family shattered in Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where a man died after inhaling toxic gas from a bathroom geyser, and his wife died by suicide just hours later. The incident, which occurred within the limits of Nelamangala and Madanayakanahalli police stations, has sent shockwaves through the local community.
The deceased man has been identified as Raju, 48, a driver by profession. He was found lying unconscious in the bathroom of his rented house in Jakkasandra, Nelamangala, on Friday. Raju had been living in the house for nearly 20 years with his wife Meena and their 19-year-old son Tarun.
According to police, Tarun returned home and repeatedly called out to his father but received no response. Suspecting something was wrong, he broke open the main door and found his father collapsed in the washroom while bathing. He immediately rushed Raju to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Preliminary findings indicate that Raju died due to inhalation of carbon monoxide gas emitted from the gas geyser installed in the bathroom.
Tarun informed his mother Meena, 42, a bank employee, about the sudden death while she was away from home. Shocked and distressed by the news, she later left the hospital without informing anyone. That night, she went to K.G. Srinivasapura in the Madanayakanahalli area, where the family was constructing a new house.
On Saturday morning, Meena was found hanging from a tree in front of the under-construction house. Police recovered a death note from the spot, in which she reportedly stated that she could not live without her husband. The note also mentioned financial stress related to the construction of the house and stated that she had asked her son to repay the money borrowed for the project.
Meena had gone missing on Friday night, triggering a frantic search by Tarun and other relatives. Her mobile phone remained unanswered throughout the night, raising serious concerns about her safety. Her body was discovered the following morning, confirming the family’s worst fears.
Both bodies were sent for postmortem examination at the Nelamangala Government Hospital and were handed over to the family on Saturday after the procedures were completed. Police have registered cases related to accidental death and suicide and stated that investigations are ongoing. Officials have said that no foul play is suspected at this stage.
The double tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the neighbourhood, with residents describing the couple as hardworking and devoted to their family. The incident has also renewed concerns over the safety of gas geysers in enclosed spaces and highlighted the devastating emotional impact of sudden loss.