In a gut-wrenching incident that has shocked the nation, businessman Praveen Mittal and his entire family died by suicide in Panchkula, Haryana, after battling crippling debt, death threats, and years of mental anguish. The case, now under intense investigation, reveals a chilling trail of loss, desperation, and isolation that led to this heartbreaking end.

Originally from Hisar, Praveen Mittal was once a prosperous businessman running a scrap factory in Panchkula. But about 12 years ago, his business collapsed. Mounting losses pushed him into a debt trap of over ₹20 crore, according to his cousin Sandeep Agarwal.

As creditors began closing in and death threats mounted, Praveen fled with his family to Dehradun, cutting off all ties and vanishing from the lives of even close relatives for nearly five years.

After years of living under the radar, Praveen resurfaced in Kharar, Mohali, about three years ago. But the moment he did, the pressure from creditors returned—a second wave of harassment and threats for the unpaid loans. He had no property left—his factory, flats, and cars had all been seized by banks.

To survive, this once-successful entrepreneur began driving a taxi in Chandigarh. But that income wasn’t enough to feed and support his wife and three children.

Police later recovered a suicide note from Praveen's car, in which he entrusted cousin Sandeep with the last rites of his family. According to Sandeep, he had last spoken to Praveen just five days before the tragedy, unaware that it would be their final conversation.

While in hiding, Praveen lived in Kaulagarh, Dehradun, in a rented house along with his wife and three children—Hardik, Durvika, and Dalisa. Locals described them as a simple, quiet family. His children studied at Blooming Bird School, and he had even opened a small shop near Tapkeshwar temple to stay afloat.

Their car, in which the bodies were eventually found, was registered in the name of Gambhir Singh Negi, a friend who had financed the vehicle due to Praveen's poor credit history. The two had met while working together on an NGO initiative.

The Mittal family’s tragic end has left both Dehradun and Panchkula communities in disbelief. What began as a financial downfall spiraled into a life of running, hiding, and ultimately, a tragic collective suicide.

Police are continuing their investigation, but one thing is clear—this is not just a story of debt, but of a broken system that failed an entire family.