Bengaluru: In an incident reported on Wednesday in J.P. Nagar, the charred remains of three family members were discovered in their residence. The deceased, identified as Sukanya (48) and her sons Nikhit (28) and Nikshit (28), hailed from Ambalapadi in Udupi.

The tragedy occurred in their home located in the third phase of J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru. Initial investigations by South Division Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sivaprakash Devaraju suggest that financial difficulties may have driven the mother to commit suicide along with her sons.

Sukanya's husband, Jayananda, had been running his own business, which suffered losses during the COVID-19 lockdown. To cope with the financial strain, Sukanya had taken on the responsibility of providing tuition while also grappling with mounting debts. Adding to their challenges, one of their sons had discontinued his employment several months ago. Jayananda's health issues further compounded their difficulties, leaving him bedridden.

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The tragic events unfolded when Sukanya reportedly locked herself and her sons in the hall after attending to her husband's needs in the morning. The discovery of electric cables attached to their hands raised suspicions, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of their deaths. While the exact cause of death remains under scrutiny, authorities await the results of post-mortem examinations to shed light on the tragic incident.

DCP Shivaprakash Devaraju emphasized the importance of awaiting the post-mortem findings to ascertain whether the deaths were indeed a result of suicide or if other factors were at play.

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Kargil (PTI): Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Sunday defended the agitation for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh, and said he would not back out from joining talks with the government if the need for it arises.

Addressing a press conference, Wangchuk, who was released on March 14 after nearly six months of detention under the National Security Act, called for "open-minded and sincere" negotiations and striking a middle path.

He also expressed hope that the ongoing protests would lead to a positive and amicable solution.

"The demand for safeguards under the Sixth Schedule and statehood is based on democratic rights entailed in the Constitution and is completely legitimate. I have always maintained that for the last 5-6 years, we have been engaged in discussions with the government on these issues, yet no solution has emerged. This is because the other side seems to have adopted a rigid stance," Wangchuk told reporters here.

He stressed that the negotiations should be held with an open mind, in all sincerity.

"Neither side should insist 'we alone will win and you will lose'. What is needed is a middle path, a win-win approach. This is what I personally believe and have conveyed to many people, including the (agitating) leaders: the negotiations should move forward gradually," he said.

Wangchuk said they were ready to adopt such an approach, but it should not be one-sided.

He said the protesters have conveyed this thinking to fair-minded people across the country, and cautioned that if the upcoming talks once again result in their concerns being overlooked and only the other side's position prevails, it would prompt questions on why a more accommodative approach -- like that adopted by Ladakh's leaders -- is not being followed.

The government has not yet announced the date for the next round of talks.

The Ladakh-based activist expressed hope that the ongoing protests would lead to a positive and amicable resolution, enabling them to move forward and partake in the country's progress and nation-building.

Asked about charges under the National Security Act (NSA) that were levelled against him, he said, "If a person like me, who has always worked for the country -- whether in education, environment, or improving facilities for the armed forces -- can face such allegations, then what might not be said about others, not just in Ladakh but elsewhere as well?"

The activist said he was disturbed by a video related to his arrest that he came across recently, questioning how such claims could be made, especially as the contents "appeared" to be backed by evidence.

"If the allegations are true, I did not deserve to be free. But if they are false, they must be clearly refuted," Wangchuk said, cautioning against making sweeping accusations about Ladakh, which has been a pillar of India's defence, especially Kargil, whose people have supported the armed forces in every war and made significant sacrifices in the 1999 Kargil War.

Making such allegations will only create distance among people, he said, adding, "If mistakes are being made, they should be corrected."

Referring to the Centre's order revoking NSA charges against him, he said it is clearly stated that this step is being taken to create a conducive environment, to build trust, and to enable meaningful dialogue.

"So, we are waiting for things to move in that direction," he said.

On the protesters' next course of action, he said the leadership will look into the issue, but it is hoped that the time ahead will not be for anything else but celebration.

"If there is any absolute need, we will discuss and decide what steps should be taken," he said.

On the possibility of him joining the team holding dialogue with the home ministry, Wangchuk said, "Whatever I do, I do it out of necessity. Where I am not needed, and others could do it, I always prefer that they should take the lead. But if there is a need, I will not back down."