A special investigation team (SIT) comprising officers from the Ayarkkunnam police station has been formed to probe the suspected suicide of four members of a family at Kooroppada near Kottayam.

The deceased were identified as Thomas Abraham (Joby), 50, his wife Josna Thomas, their 17-year-old daughter Maria Theresa Thomas and 12-year-old son Allen Thomas. The family had been undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, after allegedly consuming poison, but all four succumbed over the past few days. Josna and Maria Theresa died on Saturday, Thomas Abraham on Sunday, and Allen on Tuesday evening.

Dying declarations

The funeral is scheduled to be held at the Marth Mariam Church, Cheppumpara, on Thursday. According to police, the dying declarations of three family members revealed discrepancies regarding the circumstances that led to the tragedy and how the poison was consumed. Although investigators attempted to record Allen’s statement, doctors did not permit it because of his critical condition.

Preliminary investigations indicate that financial disputes linked to the institution where Josna was employed may have driven the family to take the extreme step. A suicide note, believed to have been left behind by the family, also points in the same direction. Investigators are also looking into allegations that the couple had borrowed money from several people through chit fund arrangements.

As part of the probe, police will examine the family’s bank account records to trace financial transactions and verify the allegations. Call detail records of the family members will also be scrutinised as investigators attempt to piece together the events leading to the deaths.

Suicide prevention helpline: Disha - 1056, 0471-2552056.

Published - July 22, 2026 04:05 pm IST