
A quiet town in Andhra Pradesh is reeling from a horrific family tragedy after 31-year-old accountant Vanapalli Chandra Kishore ended his life, having first drowned his two young sons — all driven by his fears over their academic struggles.
The shocking incident unfolded on Friday, March 14, 2025, leaving neighbors and relatives in disbelief. Kishore, an employee at ONGC, reportedly feared his sons — seven-year-old Joshith and six-year-old Nikhil — would fail to succeed academically in an increasingly competitive world.
Authorities revealed that Kishore left behind a heart-wrenching suicide note, expressing his deep anxiety about his children’s future. Investigators say he tied the boys’ hands and feet before drowning them in buckets of water. He then took his own life by hanging.
The tragedy came as a devastating surprise to those who knew the family. Kishore’s wife, Tanuja Sai Rani, had no warning of what was to come. Married since 2017, the couple was described as loving and stable, with no signs of financial hardship or domestic discord. The family had even planned to transfer the boys to a new school to help them adjust better.
“There were no outward signs of distress or trouble,” said Inspector B. Peddi Raju from the Sarpavaram police station. “It’s heartbreaking to imagine what was going through his mind.”
The day began with Holi festivities at ONGC’s Vakalapudi office, where Kishore spent time with his wife and children. He later told Tanuja he was taking the boys to get their school uniforms tailored — a seemingly normal errand. Hours later, when he failed to return, her concern grew.
Repeated calls went unanswered until a brief message from Kishore promised he’d be back in “10 minutes.” He never came home.
Panic set in, and Tanuja, accompanied by one of Kishore’s colleagues, rushed to their residence. After getting no response at the locked door, neighbors helped force it open — revealing a horrific scene. Kishore’s body was found hanging in one room, while his sons were discovered lifeless in the bathroom, their heads submerged in buckets of water.
Investigators are still working to understand the mindset behind Kishore’s deadly decision.
“How can anyone decide a child’s future like this? Children need time to grow and find their own paths,” a stunned officer remarked.
The tragedy has sparked fresh conversations about academic pressure, mental health, and parental expectations in India — especially as young students face mounting societal and educational demands.
Mental health advocates say the heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for support systems and awareness. Experts warn that children’s potential cannot be measured by early academic performance and stress that no grade is worth a life.
As the community mourns, the devastating loss serves as a sobering reminder: success is never worth more than a child’s life.
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