Police find bodies in RAK family tragedy

Police discover a husband, wife and 8-year-old girl, all hanged in apparent murder suicide.

RAS AL KHAIMAH // The decayed bodies of an Indian family were discovered hanging by RAK police after a neighbour reported a strange smell coming from the family’s house.

A husband and wife, ages 44 and 31, and their 8-year-old daughter were found suspended from the ceiling of their home.

The Indian consulate in Dubai identified them as Anil Kumar, the father, Sreeja Kumar, the mother, and their daughter Anusree. All are Indians.

Due to advanced composition, police believe the family died several days before the bodies were found, said Lt Thaer Al Najjar. The child's face was covered with a cloth.

"The man and the wife killed their daughter and then we believe they killed themselves," said Lt Al Najjar. "We don't know the day but believe they were dead for several days."

There is no suspicion of criminal intent.

It is believed that family had financial troubles and could not pay for utilities. The man's profession was not known.

The case has been referred to public prosecution. Police did not confirm whether the bodies had been repatriated.

"Once death certificates are issued by the local authorities, the consulate would register the same and arrange for repatriation of their mortal remains," a spokesman from the consulate said. "The consulate is maintaining a close liaison with the local authorities on the issue."