Millionaire's son died in suicide pact with wife
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A MEMBER of one of Britain's wealthiest families entered into a suicide pact with his new wife after marrying in secret, an inquest was told yesterday.
Dharam Hinduja, 22, suffered horrific burns and died days later. His wife pulled out of the pact in an attempt to save his life.
He had married Ninotchka Sargon, a Roman Catholic Australian, also 22, at Chelsea Register Office in January, but fled the country for Mauritius fearing his Hindu family's disapproval, Westminster coroner's court heard. He was defying the tradition of an arranged marriage.
Michael Bevan, the coroner's officer, said: 'Objections to the marriage on the part of his family prevented the couple living together and he decided that if they were going to have a life together, they would need to go and live in another country.'
Mr Hinduja, the son of Srichand Hinduja, head of a business empire worth pounds 1.3bn, arrived on the island via Bombay and his wife flew from London. They met in Mauritius on 14 May.
His wife later told police they entered a suicide pact after local newspapers carried an article about Mr Hinduja's disappearance from Britain.
Mr Hinduja sprinkled his wife with a flammable liquid and tied her to their hotel bed. He covered himself in the liquid and set himself alight. However, his wife then freed herself and attempted to put out the flames with a blanket.
Suffering 70 per cent burns, Mr Hinduja was flown to Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, where he died on 19 May after two days of intensive treatment.
The coroner, Dr Paul Knapman, recorded a verdict of suicide on Mr Hinduja, of Carlton House Terrace, Westminster, London.
Mr Hinduja's parents, whose fortune is based on property and an import/export business, did not attend. His wife is thought to have left the country.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments