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

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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Infant dies in family suicide pact

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: In yet another case of suicide attempt involving the entire family, a 35-year-old priest from Kerala attached to an Ayyappa temple here poisoned his family in his house on Monday. While his 10-month-old baby girl died, the priest’s condition is critical.

According to Murali Kumar, the 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 pooja.

Mr. Kumar went to the 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 and also rang the calling bell. When he did not find 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. All the three are in the intensive care unit, Mr. Kumar said. 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. The temple authorities have informed Mr. Namboodiri’s relatives in Thiruvalla, who are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Mr. Namboodiri has been serving as the priest of the temple for the past eight years.

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