Parents throw 3 children into canal, survive suicide attempt

Times News Network

Patiala: Three minor children died after being allegedly thrown into the Bhakra Main Line canal by their parents, who then jumped in themselves near Mandoli village in Ghanaur on Sunday.

While passersby and local divers managed to rescue the couple, their children — a 14-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl and an 8-year-old girl — were swept away by strong undercurrents. Police said the children were found dead when their bodies were later retrieved from the canal.

According to police, the family, residents of Maujpur village under Sohana police station in Mohali district, had reached the canal bank under the jurisdiction of Ganda Kheri police station in Patiala. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the family near the canal before hearing screams and noticing the parents push the children into the water before jumping in.

DSP Ghanaur Daljit Singh Virk said the incident occurred around 11am. “Preliminary findings suggest a family dispute may have led to the extreme step, but the investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Police officials indicated that the family was allegedly under severe mental stress and possible harassment from relatives, though details are yet to be confirmed.

The bodies of the children were shifted to a civil hospital for postmortem examination. Police said a case is being registered and multiple angles are being probed, including allegations of harassment.

The couple, who survived, are undergoing medical treatment and are being questioned to establish the exact sequence of events.