Burari deaths: Family wanted to meet 'god,' free 'trapped' spirits
The man who allegedly led 11 people to their deaths in Delhi's Burari was confident the "hanging" wouldn't kill them, and their souls will return after meeting 'god,' his diary entries have revealed. The 'badh tapasya' - when 11 family members hung themselves - would have freed the "spirits" of the deceased family patriarch and of four others "trapped" in the house, he believed.
Narayan Devi (77), sons Bhavnesh (50) and Lalit (45), their wives Savita (48) and Tina (42), daughter Pratibha (57), and five grandchildren- Priyanka (33), Neetu (25), Monu (23), Dhruv and Shivam (15)- were found dead in their Delhi residence on Sunday. All but Narayan were found hanging. They were blindfolded, gagged and had their hands tied. Police suspect Narayan was hanged from a doorknob.
The family was deeply religious since the father died in 2007, neighbors said. Soon after, Lalit started claiming he was possessed by his father, and the family believed him, calling him "daddy." Their conviction grew as their fortunes gradually changed: Lalit's financial investment ideas brought rewards, their business flourished, and recently, Priyanka got engaged. Meanwhile, Lalit continued scribbling in diaries detailing rituals, "instructions from father" and more.
About the ultimate 'ritual,' Lalit had written in his diary, presumably on behalf of his father: "Five souls are with me. You thought going to Haridwar and conducting a funeral would relieve me. I'm waiting for this ritual." He told the others that after the hanging, the color of water kept near them in cups would change, and his dead father would save them.
Relatives once again denied the deaths were linked to superstition, insisting all of them were highly qualified and educated. Dinesh Singh Chundawat, the eldest son living in Udaipur, added the 11 mysterious pipes had been installed on his suggestion, so they could get "some air and light." Moreover, why had they 'committed suicide' with the door open, he questioned. "There is a big conspiracy."
For now, locals are confused about what to do with the house. Brokers say the family would find it hard to find buyers for "four-five years." Relatives staying elsewhere have ruled out moving in either. So some have proposed turning it into a temple.
Till yesterday, Delhi Police had questioned over 100 people in the case. There are more to go, they said, including relatives who had visited during a recent engagement at their home. A Crime Branch team has reached Udaipur. The detailed autopsy reports are expected tomorrow. Police will likely take the help of paranormal experts, and psychological autopsies may be conducted.
