A relative of the 11 members of a family who were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their home in north Delhi's Burari yesterday suspected foul play in the incident, saying that "they were educated people and not superstitious".
Ketan Nagpal, whose maternal grandmother was one of the deceased, alleged that they were killed and dismissed the police theory that it could be a case of "suicide pact".
He said it was a prosperous family.
"They were not facing any financial issues and had not taken even a single loan. Everything was fine. Why would they kill themselves?" he said.
Mr Nagpal contended that even if they had to commit suicide, they would not have covered their faces and taped their mouth.
Another relative said they had spoken to the family last night. They sounded "normal" and did not show any signs of depression, he added.
"The family did not have enmity with anyone. But we suspect someone killed them," he alleged.
The relatives claimed that there was no "religious angle" linked to the deaths.
"They believed in God but who believes in such things (referring to handwritten notes talking about salvation). They were educated people and not superstitious," said one of the relatives.
Police found handwritten notes which indicated a "religious or spiritual angle" to the deaths. A police officer said a probe will be conducted to find "if the family indulged in occult practices" or they followed "any godman".
The deceased were identified as Narayan Devi, 77, found dead on the floor. The others have been identified as her daughter Pratibha, 57, her two sons Bhavnesh, 50, and Lalit Bhatia, 45, Bhavnesh's wife Savita, 48, and their three children - Meenu, 23, Nidhi, 25, and Dhruv, aged 15.
Lalit Bhatia's wife Tina, 42, and their 15-year-old son Shivam were also among those found dead.
Pratibha's daughter Priyanka, 33, who was engaged last month and would have been married by the end of this year, was also found hanging.
For more Delhi news, click here
IGL Warns Against Fraud Threatening Disconnection: "Be Cautious" "If Officers Start To Act Like This...": Court Slams Cop For "Serious Misconduct" How Delhi Police Rescued One-Year-Old Who Was Stolen, Sold For Rs 3 Lakh UP BJP Rejig Soon? State Chief Offers To Quit Over Poll Drubbing: Sources UP Banker Dies By Suicide After 6 Months Of Bullying, Body-Shaming "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post "Relocate To Vizag": Andhra Minister To IT Firms Amid Karnataka Quota Row MAT August 2024: Registrations Underway For Management Aptitude Test Government Should Rationalise Customs Duty In Budget: Chamber Of Commerce Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.