The bodies of three family members were recovered from a locked house in Dala Patel ni Pol, located in Vadodara's Char Darwaja area. According to the police, it is a case of suicide. The deceased have been identified as 50-year-old Artiben Soni, her 23-year-old son Nilkanth Soni, and her 20-year-old daughter Jhalak Soni.
How the Incident Came to Light
The family had not been seen stepping out of their home for the past two days, and the house remained locked from the inside. Suspicious, neighbors alerted relatives, who informed the police control room on Wednesday (October 28). When a relative and business partner, Ketan Shah, opened the door, they were stunned by the scene inside.
What the Police Stated
According to DCP Andrew Macwan, all three were found dead inside the building.
ACP G.B. Bamaniya stated that a suicide note was recovered from the house in the handwriting of the mother, Artiben. The note explicitly mentions financial severe hardship and a debt of ₹33 lakh.
Another note written by the children was also found, stating that Artiben was suffering from depression following her husband's death, and the debt had caused immense stress for the children as well.
Mobile phones of all three deceased have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for further investigation.
Family Background
A year ago, Chetanbhai Soni, the head of the family, passed away due to a heart attack. Following his death, his son Nilkanth, who was studying in Canada, returned to Vadodara to manage the family's ayurvedic medicine business on Juna Padra Road.
Relatives Express Shock
Ketan Shah mentioned that he had no knowledge of any financial trouble in the business and had never even asked for accounts. Relative Hiteshbhai Soni expressed deep shock, saying they "never imagined in their dreams" that such a tragedy would occur. They had only recently learned that the family had rented a flat.
If you or someone you know is going through emotional distress, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. You can contact the Government of India's 'Jeevan Aastha' helpline at 18002333330 or talk to your loved ones.
