A family of seven, including three children, were tragically found dead inside a parked car by horrified locals. Police confirmed the harrowing discovery on Monday night after residents discovered the bodies locked inside a parked vehicle outside a house.

Authorities believe 42-year-old Praveen Mittal, his parents, wife, and three children, were heavily in debt, which prompted them to enter into a tragic suspected suicide pact. Police believe Mr Mittal had come to Panchkula, India with his family on Monday to attend a Hanuman Katha programme.

It is claimed that when the event finished, the family allegedly agreed to enter into a suicide pact while returning to Dehradun.

The deceased were identified as Mr Mittal, 42, along with his parents, wife, and their two daughters and son. Punit Rana, who first spotted the car parked outside his house, quickly called for an ambulance.

Police were able to break the doors of the car and rushed the victims to a local hospital. Tragically, they were all declared dead on arrival. Authorities confirmed they recovered a suicide note from the scene. An investigation into their deaths is underway.