A shocking incident unfolded in west Delhi’s Anand Parbat area, where a 44-year-old man allegedly killed his wife before dying by suicide inside their home, police said on Thursday. Investigators believe the case may be linked to the man’s long struggle with mental health issues.

The incident came to light on Wednesday evening after police received a PCR call around 5.26 pm reporting a “suspicious case of suicide” at a residence in Nai Basti. The caller was later identified as the woman’s brother, who told police that the room was locked from inside and there was no response despite repeated attempts to make contact.

“When repeated knocks and calls elicited no response, the door was cut open,” a senior police officer said. Inside the room, police found both the man and the woman unresponsive.

The deceased were identified as Jai Prakash, 44, and his wife Jyoti, 37. The couple lived with their nine-year-old son, who was reportedly outside the house at the time of the incident and is now under the care of extended family members living nearby.

“Initial inquiries with family members revealed that the man had been suffering from depression for nearly 13 years. He was undergoing treatment from at least two government hospitals and was on medication as well,” the officer said, adding that Prakash worked at a local company while Jyoti was a homemaker.

Based on preliminary findings, police said it appears the man locked the room from inside, allegedly strangled his wife, and later died by suicide. “From the initial investigation and the circumstances at the spot, it appears that the man locked the room from inside, strangled his wife and later ended his life by hanging,” another officer stated.

Forensic Team Probes Scene

The crime team inspected the scene and collected forensic evidence. The bodies were sent to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, where doctors declared them dead. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on Thursday.

Police said no suicide note was recovered and there were no signs of forced entry. Family members have not raised any suspicion of foul play. “No eyewitness has come forward so far, and family members have said that the man was under prolonged mental stress over reasons not known to them,” the officer added.

A case has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.