Navy Sailor, Wife, and Two Children Found Dead in Cuffe Parade Quarters
A 30-year-old Indian Navy sailor, his wife, and two young children were found dead inside their official residential quarters at Navy Nagar in south Mumbai's Cuffe Parade area on Saturday night.
According to preliminary information from investigators, sailor Puranmal Shambulal Mehra died by suicide. Prima facie findings indicate that poisoning may have caused the deaths of his 28-year-old wife Oma, their three-year-old son Darsh, and their two-month-old daughter. Officials stated that the exact cause of death for the mother and children will be confirmed once detailed forensic and post-mortem reports are received.
The incident came to light after Puranmal's father tried to contact him on Saturday night. When his phone calls went unanswered, he alerted the Indian Navy's control room. Naval officials visited the quarters and discovered Puranmal dead in the living room, while the bodies of his wife and two children were found in a bedroom. Naval personnel then alerted the Cuffe Parade police.
All four bodies were transported to J J Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. A post-mortem examination conducted at the hospital confirmed that Puranmal died due to asphyxia caused by hanging. The medical team has reserved its opinion on the exact cause of death for Oma and the children pending results from chemical and forensic analysis.
A forensic science laboratory team inspected the residence and gathered evidence. Police officials stated that no suicide note was found inside the home, and no suspicious substances such as poison were detected during the initial forensic inspection.
The family was originally from Rajasthan. Puranmal's younger brother, who is also an Indian Navy personnel posted on the outskirts of Mumbai, arrived in the city to claim the bodies from J J Hospital.
During preliminary questioning of neighbours and acquaintances, police found that the couple, who had been married for four to five years, had reportedly been experiencing marital discord and frequent quarrels. A police officer noted that Oma's father had visited Mumbai a week earlier intending to take her back home, but Puranmal reportedly refused to let the children go with her.
Cuffe Parade police have registered an Accidental Death Report and are recording statements from relatives, neighbours, and witnesses to determine the full sequence of events. An Indian Navy official confirmed the Navy is providing full cooperation and assistance to the police investigation.
