The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Baby dies in family suicide pact

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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Baby dies in family suicide pact

Staff Reporter

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Out of danger: Manikanta, son of priest Vinod Shankaran Namboodiri, at a hospital in Bangalore on Monday.

Bangalore: A 35-year-old priest from Kerala attached to an Ayyappa temple here and his family consumed poison in their house on Monday. While his 10-month-old baby girl died, the priest’s condition is critical.

According to Murali Kumar, manager of the Ayyappa temple on Pemmegowda Road, the priest, Vinod Shankaran Namboodiri, finished the morning puja and went to his house around 10 a.m. He did not return to the temple for the evening puja.

Mr. Kumar went to Mr. Namboodiri’s house, which is a few yards away from the temple, around 5.30 p.m. When persistent knocking on the door failed to elicit a response, he rang the calling bell. When he did not get any response, he called the J.C. Nagar police, who broke open the door.

The police found Mr. Namboodiri, his wife, Ranjini (25), son Manikanta (2) and 10-month-old Mohini lying unconscious. All were taken to Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, where Mohini was declared dead.

The condition of Mr. Namboodiri was stated to be critical, while Ms. Ranjini and Manikanta are stable.

The police said they have recovered a bottle from the house that appeared to be a pesticide.

“We do not know what they have consumed. We are yet to speak with the priest,” a police officer said, adding that Mr. Namboodiri’s motive is as yet unclear.

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