SURAT - A grim tragedy unfolded in the Sarthana Yogichowk area of Surat, as four members of a local gemstone artist's family, consumed poison amidst a dire financial crisis. The Moradiya family, known residents of the vicinity near Seemada Canal, had ingested a deadly cocktail of poison and water, leading to the demise of three family members, while the father fights for his life in a critical condition.
Vinubhai Khodabhai Moradiya, a 55-year-old gemstone artisan who was also employed in a local diamond factory, alongside his wife, 50-year-old Shardaben, their son, 20-year-old Krish, and 15-year-old daughter, Senita, were rushed to a nearby private hospital immediately after the incident. Shardaben tragically lost her life shortly after admission, followed by her daughter and son. Vinubhai, the lone survivor of the tragic suicide attempt, remains in a precarious condition.
Prior to the ill-fated act, Vinubhai had managed to reach out to a cousin with a heart-wrenching request to safeguard his other two children, who were not present during the incident, as they had gone to visit friends and relatives. The police, alerted about the incident, promptly arrived at the hospital to commence investigations.
A shocking revelation was made by ACP P.K. Patel, who stated that the Moradiya family had ingested the poison in public. Vinubhai, still under intensive care, had recorded a distressing suicide note video on his mobile prior to the act. In the video, an emotional Vinubhai confessed his feelings of failure as a father, son, and husband, indicating this as his reason for taking such drastic steps. The video has now been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further investigation.
Amid a steep downturn in the diamond industry, the Moradiya family, who had resorted to various jobs to make ends meet, found themselves in an escalating financial crisis. Shardaben and Senita supplemented the family income by applying lace, a traditional craft. These economic hardships are believed to have driven the family to such drastic measures.
Vinubhai's cousin, Pravinbhai, expressed his shock and grief over the tragedy, stating his unawareness about any pressures on his brother, Vinubhai, who had been residing in Surat with his family for about four to five years.
As authorities continue their investigations, this tragic event underscores the profound impact of economic recessions on vulnerable families and the urgent need for more robust support systems to avert such future incidents.
