Two young cousins, a 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, were found hanging from a tree at Deer Park in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas area early Sunday morning. Police believe the couple died by suicide after their families opposed their romantic relationship.

Families opposed their relationship

The man worked at a pizza shop in Lodhi Colony, while the woman worked as a babysitter. According to police, their fathers were brothers, and even being cousins, the two developed feelings for each other. Their families reportedly objected to their relationship just days before the tragedy.

"The families had asked them to end the relationship just two or three days ago," a senior police officer said. Unable to handle the separation, the couple are believed to have made a pact to end their lives together.

The police were alerted around 6:31 am when a security guard at the park found their bodies. The man was dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, and the woman wore a green dress. Two broken phones were discovered near the scene. Forensic teams recovered a SIM card from one phone, which helped identify the couple and inform their families.

No suicide note was found, but the families confirmed to the police that the couple was romantically involved and had been told to end their relationship.

Investigation and local suspicions

The police have started investigating the deaths. Both families said the couple left their homes around the same time on Saturday afternoon. The man, who lived in Pilanji village, left his house at 2 p.m..  The woman, who had been staying with her aunt in Humayunpur village for a few days, also left around the same time to go back to her home in Chattarpur Enclave.

Police said one challenge in the investigation is the lack of CCTV cameras inside the park. However, they are reviewing footage from nearby areas to trace the couple’s final moments.

Meanwhile, some locals have raised doubts about the incident. A resident told PTI that it would have been difficult for two people to climb the tree without help, leading to suspicions of foul play.

Police are continuing their investigation, though they have so far ruled out any criminal involvement. The case remains open as authorities gather more evidence.

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