2 feared dead in Akkulam suicide pact

Thiruvananthapuram: A three-year-old child and a woman were feared dead after they leaped into Akkulam lake as part of a suicide pact on Sunday night. Two women and a child had jumped off the bridge while two other children who were part of the same family were stopped from jumping by some passersby.

The incident happened around 7 pm after the family arrived here in a car from Kilimanoor. Those who jumped into the lake were identified as Shofita, 60, her daughter Jasmi and her grandchild Fathima.

Fathima and Jasmi died by the time rescuers reached them. The elderly woman has been admitted to Medical College Hospital in a serious condition. Jasmi's husband is working in Qatar and the family was learnt to be in financial crisis. The gang reportedly locked up Shofita's bedridden husband at home before coming to end their lives.