Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool   

HIV-infected couple commits suicide

Special Correspondent

Minister adopts HIV-positive child of couple

SAVING LIVES: K. Babu Raju, corporator and brother-in-law of Minister for Lift Irrigation M. Mareppa, consoling the HIV positive child, whose parents committed suicide in Kurnool on Friday. -Photo: U. Subramanyam

KURNOOL: A middle-aged couple committed suicide by consuming poison at their residence at Muzaffar Nagar in the city on Thursday night. The HIV positive status was said to have driven the couple -- Veeranna (45) and Krishnamma (25) -- to commit suicide.

The couple is survived by two sons -- Eeranna (10) and Veeresh (5). Among the two boys, the younger one was said to be HIV positive.

According to reports, Veeranna and his first wife Jambulamma contracted the virus six years ago. Unable to cope with the health crisis, Jambulamma hanged herself three years ago.

The two sons were born to her. Veeranna, a vendor of plastic goods, married Krishnamma to take care of the children, but she also got infected.

Boy adopted

According to reports, as the infection reached the advanced stage, the couple had to spend all the money received through the sale of house. Depressed by falling health conditions, they killed themselves by consuming poison mixed with toddy. The couple reportedly tried to serve the poisoned toddy to the infected child too, but he refused to drink and ran away.

On learning about the pathetic state of the boy who escaped from the jaws of death, Minister for Lift Irrigation M. Mareppa announced adoption of Veeresh. Mr. Mareppa said he had adopted three HIV positive children in the past. He would also get support from the Minister for Health and Education.

Meanwhile, neighbours pooled some money to perform the last rites, as the deceased couple had no relatives.

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HIV-infected couple commits suicide

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