In a tragic incident reported from Sembium in north Chennai, members of a family allegedly attempted suicide by consuming a cake mixed with poison.
Two persons died, while two others were hospitalised in critical condition.
According to police, the incident involved a man who is suspected to have mixed poison into a cake and shared it with his family. After consuming the cake, all of them fell seriously ill. Two family members died despite medical attention.
The remaining two were rushed to a government hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition is said to be critical.
Preliminary inquiries suggest the family may have been under severe personal and financial stress, though the exact motive is still being investigated.
Sembium police have registered a case, sent the bodies for post-mortem, and launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident. Further details are awaited.