Mysterious Deaths of Two Housewives and a Young Daughter in Tangra Raise Suspicions of Financial Crisis at the Core

Agencies, February 21, 2025, Kolkata: The tragic deaths of two housewives and a young girl, all from the same family, have raised several questions, as suspicions of murder overtake the initial claim of suicide made by the surviving brothers. The incident occurred in the Tangra area of Kolkata, and while it remains unresolved, the investigation has brought forth several theories and speculations. Among the primary hypotheses is the notion that financial troubles may have played a significant role in this devastating turn of events. The two brothers, Pranoy and Prasun Dey, lived at the house in Tangra with their wives Sudeshna and Romi Dey. Pranoy and Sudeshna had a son, Pratik. Prasun and Romi's daughter was Priyambada. 

Sudeshna and Romi Dey and the daughter Priyambada (14), were found dead on Wednesday. 

Pranoy and Prasun and the son Pratik were found involved in the crash near Abhishikta crossing on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, the arterial road that encircles part of the city, around 4 am. One of the men told the police that they were attempting suicide and had deliberately crashed the car into a metro pillar. All three had sustained injuries but survived. They are still in the hospital. 

The family in question, owners of a prominent leather factory in Tangra, had recently been facing significant financial difficulties. The police investigation into the deaths of the three family members—wives of two brothers and a young daughter—has uncovered some startling details. 

According to the police, the family had been investing large sums of money into promotional ventures and facing financial strain due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which severely impacted their export business. Adding to this strain was their engagement in a "new venture" that led to heavy borrowing, with creditors demanding repayments. It was reported that the checks of creditors had been bouncing, and many creditors were often seen outside their house and factory in Tangra.

One creditor, unable to get a response from the family, even left a note outside the house stating that he had visited. The police believe that this financial pressure, combined with the large debts owed to several lending organizations, could have contributed to the tragic outcome. However, questions remain: Was it this mounting pressure that led the family to make the drastic decision to murder three of its members, or did the family collectively choose to end their lives in a failed suicide pact?

The family, once known for their thriving business, operated a large factory called "Sur Factory" on Shil Lane, manufacturing protective leather gloves. The factory was established by the patriarch of the family, Pradip Kumar Dey, and was well-known in the Tangra area. Pradip, or "PK" as locals called him, was a close associate of the late CPM leader Somnath Chatterjee and had strong ties with other local CPM leaders. Under his leadership, the factory flourished, supplying leather goods to various parts of the country and even exporting them abroad. After Pradip's death about twelve years ago, his sons, Pranay and Prasun, took over the business, which employed around 50 workers across two shifts.

According to police and local sources, during this time, the brothers entered into a partnership with a local promoter to engage in promotional activities. They invested heavily from their business earnings into these promotions, even constructing a five-story building in the initial phase. The family traveled abroad multiple times and often hosted parties at their home. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 lockdown hit their business hard, leading to a decrease in export volume. As the financial strain deepened, the brothers started multiple "new ventures," borrowing money from various sources. These loans had to be repaid every month.

The situation worsened when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, disrupting their supply of goods. The family’s relationship with several export traders deteriorated, adding to their financial troubles. With mounting debts and a collapsing business, the family was pushed into an economic crisis that some believe could have led to the tragic deaths.

Was this devastating outcome caused by the unbearable financial strain, or was there something more sinister at play? The investigation is still ongoing, and the truth behind the deaths of these family members remains shrouded in mystery.

The mystery of the Tangra Incident Brings Back Multiple Unbearable Memories – Investigation into the cause of the road accident begins. And with that, a spine-chilling incident from Kolkata's past comes to light. In Tangra, the bodies of three women from the same family were found. Did they commit suicide due to financial distress, or were they murdered? Speculation has been swirling since Tuesday. This atmosphere brings to mind several other disturbing incidents that occurred in Kolkata. (Tangra Incident)

The question arises: Was the Tangra incident a murder or a suicide? How did such a tragic fate befall the family members? Initially, the suicide theory is gaining prominence in this case. Such events have happened before in the country. According to mental health expert Jayaranjan Ram, "This is a mysterious event. If we tentatively accept the family's account, it could be a suicide pact... that is, the family members collectively decided to end their lives. In this case, none of the family members want to choose death. The head of the family convinces others, explaining why continuing life is no longer worthwhile." 

Mental health expert Firstma Chowdhury said, "The reasons for suicide are not always personal. Were all six members distressed? Perhaps they were going through intense pain and struggles. They couldn't express it." This brings to light several similar incidents that have occurred in Kolkata.

Nearly two decades ago, in Tollygunge, six family members committed suicide by poisoning and hanging, orchestrated by bakery businessman Shibendu Saha. In 2012, in Muir Avenue, computer businessman Supritim Basu, his wife, two daughters, and father perished in a fire after Supritim set fire to their home. On January 16, 2016, three members of the same family were killed in an apartment on Palm Avenue.

On June 18, 2008, in Tollygunge, six family members were poisoned and hanged by the elder son, 36-year-old bakery businessman Shibendu Saha. Everyone was shocked to see the bodies. It seemed like they were all sleeping. The body of Shibendu's wife Rumi Saha and their two-and-a-half-month-old son was found in one room. In the adjacent room, the bodies of Shibendu’s mother and her two-and-a-half-year-old grandson were discovered. In another room, the body of Shibendu's father was found.

A three-page suicide note was recovered from Shibendu’s Bermuda pocket, which detailed the decision to end their lives due to financial ruin. The house is now occupied by other family members. Local businessman Raju Tiwari mentioned, "They poisoned and killed them. He committed suicide himself. There was a dispute between the two brothers over money. The two brothers survived, but the family of one brother died. Investigation is ongoing. His uncle has also been arrested."

At one point, 90 workers and security guards worked in the Ramkrishna Bakery of the Saha family in three shifts. However, the business later collapsed, leading to the drastic decision. The eldest son took the lives of his entire family before committing suicide.

2/ In 2012, a similarly horrific incident occurred in Muir Avenue. 45E/15A, Muir Avenue's Gangotri Apartment. The third-floor residents were Supritim Basu, a computer businessman, his wife Sangita, and their two daughters Sarani and Saheli. Supritim's father, Sudesh Basu, who was in his seventies, also lived in the apartment.

On June 16, late at night, neighbors noticed a fire in the Basu family’s flat. The door of Supritim's flat was broken with a pickaxe. After the fire department arrived, the charred bodies of five family members were found scattered across one room.

The police speculated that Supritim and his wife had a conflict that night. Perhaps, due to this, Supritim struck his wife on the head with a wooden mallet-like object. Afterward, Sangita left their bedroom and moved to the room of her two daughters and father-in-law. Supritim is suspected of setting that room on fire, resulting in the deaths of the entire family. Later, it was revealed that Supritim had taken loans from six different banks. The relatives of the family did not want to comment on the incident.

On January 16, 2016, three members of the same family were murdered in an apartment on Palm Avenue. The bloody bodies of the mother and her twin sons were found in the house. The head of the family, Neel Fonseka, was found severely injured. The investigation revealed extramarital affairs and significant financial debts. Later, the head of the family was arrested.