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The city of Kolkata is grappling with a perplexing and tragic case that has gripped the attention of investigators and the public alike. The incident began with a high-speed car crash at 3:35 AM on Wednesday, involving Prasun Dey (48), his younger brother Pranay Dey (44), and Pranay's teenage son, Pratip (14). The sedan they were in crashed into a pillar at an estimated speed of 100 kmph near the Avishikta crossing, resulting in injuries to all occupants, though miraculously, none died as a direct result of the accident. However, the events that unfolded following the crash have added layers of complexity to what initially appeared to be a simple traffic accident. The revelation that three women—Pranay's wife Sudeshna, his sister-in-law Romi, and his niece Priyamvada—were found dead in their family home turned the case into a multifaceted investigation involving possible murder, suicide, or a combination of both. The discovery was made several hours later, after Pranay, recovering from his injuries in the hospital, disclosed the horrifying truth. This revelation immediately raised critical questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the events leading up to the car crash itself.
Upon entering the Dey family's home, police were met with a grisly scene. The three women were found deceased in separate rooms, indicating separate events might have occurred. Bloodstains were scattered throughout the house, adding to the disturbing nature of the discovery. The subsequent autopsy reports painted a clearer (though still inconclusive) picture. Romi and Sudeshna were discovered to have suffered slash wounds to their throats and wrists, suggesting a possible attack. Meanwhile, fourteen-year-old Priyamvada showed bruises around her mouth and nose, accompanied by froth, leading investigators to initially suspect poisoning. However, the forensic analysis surprisingly revealed no traces of poison in her system, deepening the enigma surrounding her death. The absence of poison evidence complicates the narrative and raises several possibilities, requiring a thorough examination of the scene and additional forensic analysis.
The investigation took a significant turn when Pranay Dey confessed to a planned suicide pact. His account suggested that the family had consumed a poisoned payesh, a traditional Bengali dessert, before the men attempted to end their lives in the car crash. However, this confession remains a crucial point of contention for the investigating officers. The discrepancies between the autopsy findings—specifically the lack of poison in Priyamvada's system—and Pranay's account raise serious questions about the veracity of his statement. The presence of only one penknife at the crime scene further complicates matters, especially given the nature of injuries sustained by Romi and Sudeshna. The investigators are also examining the possibility of blunt force trauma as well, suggesting another element of violence may have been at play. This raises doubts about the initial claim of a single, planned suicide pact.
Adding further complexity to the case are the financial difficulties faced by the Dey family. Once successful leather exporters, the business, Protective Leather Gloves Pvt Ltd., reportedly suffered severe losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their struggles seemingly escalated significantly in the days leading up to the tragedy. Several “well-built men” were observed loitering outside the factory the day before the incident, strongly suggesting the presence of debt collectors or creditors. Furthermore, a business partner, Manoj Gupta, visited the Dey home that evening but received no response. CCTV footage captured the Dey brothers leaving the residence at 12:54 AM, appearing visibly distressed, lending weight to the hypothesis that the family was facing immense financial pressure. The financial struggles certainly formed a critical backdrop to the events, even though it does not exclusively explain the deaths.
Despite Pranay Dey’s confession, the Kolkata Police have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. A murder complaint has been filed by Romi’s father against unknown individuals, further widening the scope of the investigation. A dedicated team, encompassing a homicide squad, a forensic team, and a mobile DNA unit, has been deployed to painstakingly collect and analyze evidence from the crime scene. The focus of the investigation now involves a detailed reconstruction of the events between the alleged consumption of the poisoned dessert and the high-speed car crash, paying close attention to the precise timings. While neighbours reported that the Deys were not known for frequent arguments or visible domestic issues, CCTV footage showing Pranay appearing unsteady before he left the house raises concerns about his mental state and the level of stress he was enduring. The investigators will meticulously review all available evidence to seek clarity on the exact events leading to the deaths of the three women and to the attempted suicide by the three men.
The investigation is far from over. The police continue to follow multiple lines of inquiry, attempting to reconcile Pranay's statements with the forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts. The discrepancies, combined with the evidence of financial trouble and the presence of mysterious visitors, paint a complex picture that requires further investigation. The case hinges on piecing together seemingly disparate fragments of evidence and testimony to determine the true sequence of events and the ultimate cause of the deaths. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the grieving families and the community at large, while also serving as a potential landmark in the annals of criminal justice.