Suffering Financial Losses, UP Couple Films Suicide Attempt on Facebook Live

Those watching the suicide pact live called the police immediately, who took the two to a hospital.

Image used for representation.

(Photo: The Quint)

(If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call these numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs.)

Citing financial losses, a shoe trader and his wife from Badaut in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district attempted to kill themselves after going live on Facebook. While the wife died during the treatment, the husband is critical.

Rajiv Tomar, a shoe trader, along with his wife, Poonam Tomar, consumed poison on Tuesday, 8 February, following which the police was reportedly informed by the people who were watching the live. The woman's body has been sent for post-mortem.

The couple, who have two sons, have a wholesale shoe business and own a shop in city's Subhash Nagar area.

During the Facebook live, Rajiv said: "I think I have the freedom to speak. I will pay the debts I have. Even if I die, I will pay. But I request everyone to please share this video as much as possible. I am not an 'anti-national'," he said.

Family members of the couple said they were aware of the family's losses but never thought that the two would try to kill themselves.

Congress UP general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took to Twitter to express concern over the matter.

"Extremely saddened by the news of attempt to suicide of the couple from Baghpat and the consequent death of the woman. I express condolences to the family and pray to God that Rajiv ji recovers at the earliest," she tweeted.