A day after 11 members of a family were found mysteriously dead at their Delhi home, police were investigating the possibility of a link to “mystical” or “occult” practices.
Ten members from the extended family were found hanging from the ceiling at their home in the Burari area, while a 77-year-old woman was found on the floor.
Most of the dead were blindfolded and gagged with their hands tied behind their backs.
The exact cause of death and the motive behind them has not been established, police said, although robbery was ruled out as there was no loss of property.
A police statement said hand-written notes found in the house pointed at the observance of “definite spiritual/mystical practices” that could have a link to the deaths.
Police officers said the notes talked about how the human body is temporary, ways to attaining salvation and overcoming fear by covering the eyes and mouth – a strong similarity to the condition in which the bodies were found.
“It appears to be mass suicide. We are investigating whether mystical or occult practices were behind the deaths, influences on the family or if it was connected to some group or cult,” police officer Vinit Kumar said.
He said that autopsy reports were awaited.
The dead included two brothers and their families.
Police earlier said it could be mass murder by one member of the family, who then committed suicide.
The deaths perplexed the police and sent shockwaves in the Indian capital as locals said the family was happy and well-integrated with the neighbourhood. (dpa/NAN)