Two-year-old daughter survives; performs parents’ last rites

K.R. Pet: A couple died by suicide at their rented house in Jayanagar Layout at K.R. Pet yesterday morning, while their two-year-old daughter survived after the father reportedly attempted to suffocate her.

The deceased have been identified as Darshan (29) and his wife N.L. Divya (25). Their daughter, who had been rendered unconscious, was rushed to a private hospital where she was treated and is said to be out of danger.

Divya, daughter of Lakshmana Gowda and Sunanda of Natanahalli village, had completed a Pharmacy course. Darshan, son of Ganesh Gowda and Manjula of Hosakote village, was working as a taxi driver.

The couple, who were in love, had married three years ago with the consent of their families and were living in Jayanagar Layout.

Police said, Divya had been urging Darshan to start a medical store using her qualification, while Darshan reportedly told her he would consider it after completing the construction of a house. An argument over the issue is believed to have taken place yesterday morning.

Suffocation attempt

After Darshan left the house, Divya died by suicide by hanging. When Darshan returned home later, he was shocked to find her hanging.

Police said, he then allegedly tried to suffocate his daughter with a pillow. When the child became unconscious, Darshan is believed to have assumed that she had died and later hung himself. Before taking the extreme step, Darshan reportedly called his brother and informed him about the incident.

Mandya Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. V.J. Shobha Rani, K.R. Pet Town Inspector Sunilkumar and other Police personnel visited the spot.

The bodies were shifted to MIMS Hospital in Mandya for post-mortem examination and later handed over to the family members.

In a poignant moment, the couple’s two-year-old daughter performed the last rites for her parents and the bodies were cremated on the same pyre.