Maharashtra: Retired principal kills ailing wife, commits suicide in Nashik; leaves Rs 50,000 for caretaker for her good work

Nashik: In a case of suicide pact, a retired principal allegedly throttled his wife to death and then committed suicide by hanging himself at his home in the city.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, police said on Thursday.

The deceased were identified as Muralidhar Ramchandra Joshi (78, resident of Ekdant Apartment, on Jail Road) and his wife Lata (76), also a retired principal.

A woman who was taking care of the Joshi couple noticed the incident, and she immediately informed the police.

Police have recovered a suicide note in their flat admitting that he was taking extreme step due to depression because of his wife's illnesses, and no one should be blamed for their deaths.

The couple also left money, stating that no one should pay for their last rites. They hailed the caretaker for her work and left Rs 50,000 for her. 

According to police, Muralidhar Joshi, who was the principal of a school in Umbarkhed (Jalgaon district) along with his wife Lata, was living in Jail Road area of Nashik since 2017.

Lata Joshi, who was suffering from multiple ailments, was in coma for a month and a half due to a brain haemorrhage. Even after recovery, she was not keeping well due to other ailments.

Frustrated by his wife's persistent illnesses and loneliness, Muralidhar Joshi took her life by strangling her and then ended his own life.

The couple's two children are highly educated and are employed in high positions in Mumbai, sources added. (Inputs from UNI)