Duped of Rs 30 lakh by travel agent, Zirakpur couple dies by suicide

A newly-wed couple from Barnala allegedly died by suicide after consuming a poisonous substance at a paying guest accommodation in Zirakpur on Friday evening. The couple had reportedly lost Rs 36 lakh to a travel agent who had promised to help them settle abroad.

Before taking the extreme step, Hakam Singh (35) and his wife Gagandeep Kaur (23) left behind a seven-page suicide note detailing their ordeal, including their alleged financial losses and failed attempts to go abroad.

According to the note, the couple had a love marriage and hoped to build a life abroad. However, their plans went awry after they allegedly handed over Rs 36 lakh to a school friend who had become a travel agent. The couple claimed that they were neither sent abroad nor refunded their money. The agent had allegedly stopped responding to their calls.

The couple had reportedly been under financial stress after losing money. On Friday evening, they consumed a poisonous substance.

Their condition deteriorated soon after and they were rushed to a private hospital in Zirakpur. Gagandeep died later that evening, while Hakam breathed his last on Saturday morning.

Police officials said Hakam was a resident of Mahmadpur village, while Gagandeep hailed from Sekhan village in Barnala district.

Zirakpur SHO Jasbir Singh said the police had seized the suicide note and registered a case of abetment to suicide against a Barnala-based travel agent at the Zirakpur police station.

“The role of the agent and the transactions involving Rs 36 lakh are being investigated. Statements of the couple’s family members are being recorded. The possible role of a Zirakpur-based travel agent is also being investigated,” the SHO said.