Faridabad, June 10, 2025 — In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident in Ballabhgarh (Faridabad), a 36-year-old laborer allegedly led his four young sons—aged between three and nine—onto a railway track and held them as an express train approached, resulting in the deaths of all five family members.
Sequence of Events
- The father reportedly took his sons under a flyover and offered them snacks such as chips and cola “moments before the incident,” perhaps to calm or pacify them.
- Witnesses said the children pleaded with him to let them go, but he refused, holding them close as the train drew near.
- Tragically, none were able to escape before the express train struck them, leaving the local community in shock.
Detailed Information
On June 9, 2025, a 36-year-old labourer named Shatrughan, originally from Bihar and residing in Faridabad’s Ballabhgarh area, walked with his four sons—aged 9, 7, 5, and 3—to a railway track. He gave them cola and chips, reportedly to calm them down. According to eyewitnesses, the children begged him to let go, crying for help, but he held them tightly.
A speeding express train crushed all five of them. Locals and police were horrified by the deliberate nature of the act. Investigations are focusing on mental health concerns and possible domestic or financial distress.
The man’s wife had gone to a temple, and upon returning, she found a note that hinted at his disturbed state. Neighbours mentioned frequent quarrels in the house, and there may have been recent disputes involving parenting responsibilities and economic hardship.
Community Reaction & Investigation
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances and possible causes behind this horrifying act. Preliminary observations point toward issues surrounding mental health and socio-economic stress as potential contributing factors.
- Mental health concerns: Whether the father was facing depression or other psychological distress is under scrutiny.
- Socio-economic struggles: As a laborer, financial pressures might have pushed him toward extreme despair.
Railway police (Government Railway Police, GRP) have taken charge of the investigation. While they have not yet released an official statement detailing the motive, the public is demanding answers and preventive measures.
Broader Context and Concerns
This tragic event has reignited concerns over mental health support and economic hardship in underprivileged communities. Cases of family suicides involving young children—while rare—underscore the urgent need for better counseling, community intervention, and access to affordable mental health care. Notably:
- Haryana has previously witnessed heartbreaking group suicides linked to family stresses.
- Experts emphasize early identification and outreach to families under pressure.
What’s Next?
- GRP Investigation: Authorities are gathering witness testimonies and reconstructing the timeline.
- Psychological Autopsy: Experts may analyze the father’s mental and emotional state leading up to the incident.
- Public Outcry: Community members are calling for stronger mental health infrastructure and social safety nets.
This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of how invisible burdens—mental distress and financial insecurity—can lead to unthinkable actions. Awareness campaigns, increased funding for mental health services, and stronger community-level support systems are urgently needed to prevent future tragedies.