A 52‑year‑old mother and her two adult sons were found dead inside a locked 2‑BHK flat on the third floor of a residential building in Kalkaji, New Delhi. Police say a note left at the scene indicated depression and a decision to end their lives.
Identities and Background
The deceased have been identified as homemaker Anuradha Kapoor (52), her son Ashish Kapoor (32) – an engineering graduate from a private college in Noida – and Chaitanya Kapoor (27), who was reportedly preparing for the civil services.
Discovery of the Tragedy
Kalkaji police received a call at 2:47 pm on Friday after a bailiff, accompanied by officers, attempted to execute a court order of possession. Repeated knocks went unanswered, so entry was gained with a duplicate key, where the three bodies were found – Anuradha and Ashish in one room, Chaitanya in another.
Financial and Social Pressures
Relatives disclosed that Anuradha’s husband, Sanjeev Kapoor, a construction‑business owner, died a few years ago from Covid‑related complications and diabetes. The family had been estranged from relatives for about 15 years, maintaining little outside contact.
Both brothers had attempted suicide on Oct 30, and neighbours reported a prior suicide attempt about two months earlier, after which ambulance and police personnel visited the flat. The family rarely left the house, even for groceries.
Investigators say the brothers were unemployed and had amassed small loans of Rs 10,000‑30,000 from 50‑55 lenders, totaling an estimated Rs 10‑15 lakh. Their last phone communications were limited to a handful of contacts, mainly seeking money, phone‑recharges or employment leads.
Potential Next Steps
Authorities may continue forensic examinations to confirm the cause of death and explore any foul‑play. The investigation could also prompt a review of eviction processes and social‑service outreach for families facing severe debt and isolation, though any policy response would depend on broader assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims?
The victims were Anuradha Kapoor, 52, and her two sons: Ashish Kapoor, 32, an engineering graduate, and Chaitanya Kapoor, 27, who was preparing for the civil services.
How were the bodies discovered?
The bodies were discovered when a bailiff and police officers entered the flat with a duplicate key to enforce a court eviction order after receiving no response to repeated knocks.
What factors were reported as contributing to the deaths?
Police and relatives reported depression, a note indicating a decision to kill themselves, a history of suicide attempts, mounting debts of up to Rs 10‑15 lakh, unpaid rent for two years, unemployment, and prolonged social isolation.
What do you think could help prevent similar tragedies in financially strained families?
