New Delhi

A couple from northern India's Uttar Pradesh, identified as Saurabh Babbar (35) and his wife Mona, allegedly died by suicide in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, due to mounting financial debts. 

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The incident came to light after the couple sent a WhatsApp message to their family on August 10, describing their intent and decision for self-harm, according to local police.

The husband's body was found on the banks of the Ganga River near Jamalpur Khurd village in the Ranipur Kotwali area on Monday (August 12) morning. The efforts to locate his wife were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

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Saurabh Babbar, a resident of Kishanpura Kotwali Nagar in Saharanpur district, was a bullion trader and the owner of 'Sai Jewelers' in Saharanpur. He also worked as a kitty collector but had reportedly accumulated significant debt which he struggled to repay, according to reports. 

The financial burden allegedly led the couple to travel to Haridwar with the intent of ending their lives near Har Ki Pauri, a prominent ghat on the Ganga River.

Local residents discovered Saurabh Babbar's body at around 9:30 am (local time), stuck in a swamp along the riverbank. They informed the police who arrived at the scene and recovered the body. Identification was made through documents found in his wallet which also contained a mobile phone.

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After receiving the suicide note, the couple's family immediately contacted Haridwar police, following which a search operation was launched. The police have since been investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Ranipur Kotwali in-charge Vijay Singh said that Babbar's body has been sent to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination. The investigation into the incident continues.

(With inputs from agencies)

Get help & support for suicide

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.