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HARIDWAR: This was a situation the police in Haridwar had never imagined. At least five women came forward to claim body of a 40-year-old who committed suicide on Sunday. All of them claimed to be his wives and told the cops that they had no idea about any other woman in his life. After the intense drama and quarrel, the man was cremated.

Subsequently, two more women, also claiming to be his wives, came forward. The local cops have now decided to wait for a few more days to see if the list is finally complete.

The deceased Pawan Kumar, a Ravidas Basti resident, worked as a driver. According to the police, the man consumed poison on Sunday night and although his wife rushed him to a nearby hospital after seeing him in an unconscious state, he succumbed during treatment in the hospital.

In the initial probe, the police have found that the deceased was facing severe financial crisis. It has also been learnt that the man led a low-profile life and didn’t have many friends.

Praveen Singh Koshiyari, SHO city police station, told TOI, “We are probing as to why he took the extreme step. Woman who brought him to the hospital called herself his wife but did not disclose any reason about the suicide. We have sent the body to district hospital for autopsy.”

The deceased had zero balance in his bank account and he lived in a rented accommodation, the official added.

