Couple dies by suicide after Rs 36 lakh overseas job fraud, say police

A couple from Barnala died by suicide after allegedly losing Rs 36 lakh in an overseas job fraud, according to police. Gagandeep Kaur and Hakam Singh, who had been living together in a paying guest accommodation in Zirakpur, consumed a toxic chemical compound in the PG premises on Friday. Gagandeep was found dead at the scene, while Hakam was rushed to a hospital and later died during treatment.

The couple's trust in their schoolmate, who was also an agent, was cited in a recovered seven-page suicide note. The note alleges that the agent, claiming to be a friend, took Rs 18 lakh each from Gagandeep and Hakam, totaling Rs 36 lakh, but neither sent them abroad nor returned the money. Police are examining the allegations in the note, the alleged transaction, and the agent's involvement, with the next legal steps depending on the investigation's findings.