Srisailam Mass Suicide: 5 Family Members Found Dead in Pilgrim Lodge, Financial Stress Suspected

Five members of a single family were found dead on Tuesday in a private pilgrim lodge in the temple town of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. Authorities suspect a mass suicide driven by severe financial hardships and persistent health issues. The deceased include an auto-rickshaw driver, his three sisters, and his 15-year-old nephew.

The victims have been identified as Pallapu Sudhakar (36), his sisters Gogula Adilakshmi (50), Malleswari (45), and Sridevi (33), alongside Malleswari’s minor son, Manikanta (15). All five belonged to Battalapalli village in Sri Sathya Sai district. Financial Crisis, Suicide Note: Pune Family of 3 Found Dead.

According to law enforcement, the family had arrived in Srisailam on July 28 in Sudhakar’s auto-rickshaw and checked into a room at the Vaddera Satram pilgrim accommodation complex. The incident came to light after lodge staff detected a foul smell emanating from the locked room, which had remained closed for two consecutive days.

When repeated calls went unanswered, the staff alerted local authorities. Police officers led by Atmakur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramanjaneyulu arrived at the scene, forced open the door, and discovered the bodies. Preliminary reports indicate that two individuals were found hanging from ceiling fans, while three women were found dead in the bathroom.

Initial inquiries reveal that the family had been experiencing acute financial distress alongside health complications. Sudhakar, the sole earning member supporting his sisters and nephew, had allegedly accumulated significant debt. Investigators noted that two of his sisters were separated from their husbands and another was unmarried, compounding the family's socio-economic vulnerabilities. Bangladesh: Retired Hindu Teacher, Wife and 2 Children Found Dead Inside Locked House in Rangpur.

Authorities have registered a case and sent the bodies to a nearby government hospital for post-mortem examination. A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact timeline and precise cause of death.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2026 01:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).