UP Realtor Battling Cancer Kills Wife, Attempts Suicide to Avoid Wasting Money
UP Realtor Battling Cancer Kills Wife, Attempts Suicide to Avoid Wasting Money
In a heartbreaking incident from Uttar Pradesh, a real estate agent suffering from cancer reportedly killed his wife before attempting to end his own life, citing his desire to avoid wasting money on treatment. The tragedy has left the local community shocked and grieving.
What Happened?
The incident took place in the city of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on a quiet Sunday morning. The man, identified as Sunil Tyagi, a 55-year-old realtor, had been battling cancer for over a year. According to initial reports from local police, Sunil shot his wife, Anita Tyagi, 50, while she was asleep. After killing her, he shot himself in the chest but survived the attempt.
Neighbors heard the gunshots and rushed to the house. They found Anita dead on the bed and Sunil critically injured. Police were immediately informed, and Sunil was taken to the hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
The Shocking Note
According to the police, a suicide note was found near the bed. In the note, Sunil explained that he had been suffering from terminal cancer and did not want to continue spending money on treatment that offered little hope. He reportedly wrote, “Don’t want money wasted. I’m already dying. Sorry for everything.”
He also mentioned that he feared becoming a burden on his wife and family. His decision to kill his wife first was allegedly to spare her from the emotional and financial trauma of dealing with his illness and death.
The note has been sent for forensic examination, but police say it appears to be written in his handwriting and provides insight into his mental state before the tragic act.
A Peaceful Couple, Say Neighbors
Neighbors and friends described Sunil and Anita as a peaceful and loving couple. The couple had no children and lived alone in their two-story house in a middle-class neighborhood in Meerut. Sunil had been in the real estate business for over two decades and was well-known in the area.
“Sunil bhaiya was always helpful. He was suffering from cancer, but we never imagined he would do something like this,” said one neighbor.
Another local resident shared, “They didn’t have kids but were always smiling together. This has come as a huge shock.”
Police Investigation Underway
Police are investigating the case as a murder-cum-suicide attempt. They have registered a case under relevant IPC sections and will also take Sunil’s statement once he is stable.
Meerut Superintendent of Police (City) said in a press briefing, “We have found a suicide note. Prima facie it looks like the husband, suffering from a terminal illness, killed his wife and attempted suicide. However, we will wait for further investigation and the survivor’s statement.”
No family members have come forward with any complaints yet. For now, the police are treating it as a case of extreme distress due to illness and emotional breakdown.
Cancer and Mental Health: A Deadly Combination
This tragic incident once again highlights the importance of mental health support for terminally ill patients. Cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it can have a devastating impact on the mind. Depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and fear are common among people diagnosed with life-threatening diseases.
Experts say that many patients feel like a burden to their families, especially when treatments are costly and painful.
Dr. Renu Sharma, a psychiatrist from Lucknow, said, “Patients with cancer often go through deep emotional trauma. If not addressed through counseling or support systems, it can lead to extreme decisions like suicide or harming loved ones.”
She added that palliative care—which includes emotional and psychological support—should be a key part of cancer treatment in India.
According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, nearly 50% of cancer patients experience some form of psychiatric disorder, primarily depression.
Financial Burden of Cancer Treatment in India
Another major aspect that may have led to Sunil’s decision is the high cost of cancer treatment in India. Even with government schemes like Ayushman Bharat, many families still end up paying lakhs out of pocket for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medicines.
A study published in The Lancet showed that over 60% of Indian families face severe financial distress while treating cancer.
Sunil’s suicide note reflected a similar concern. His words, “Don’t want money wasted”, indicate how the financial strain of his illness weighed heavily on him.
Experts argue that more needs to be done by both government and private healthcare providers to make affordable treatment and psychological counseling accessible for cancer patients.
The Aftermath
While Sunil fights for his life in the hospital, his relatives are mourning the loss of Anita, who was known as a warm, caring woman.
The local police have not ruled out the possibility of charging Sunil with murder if he recovers. However, mental health professionals say that in such cases, courts should consider the emotional and psychological context behind the act.
Activists are urging the government to create helplines and local support centers for terminally ill patients and their families, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
What Can Be Done?
The incident raises several questions that society needs to address:
- Are we doing enough to support cancer patients emotionally and financially?
- Why is mental health still a neglected part of chronic illness care in India?
- Can government schemes be improved to reduce the economic stress on families?
Conclusion
The Meerut tragedy is not just about one man and one woman. It reflects a larger crisis in the Indian healthcare system, where emotional pain, financial burden, and lack of support can lead to irreversible decisions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional or call a suicide prevention helpline like iCall at +91-9152987821 or visit iCall Support.
