On 1st of July 2018, something so baffling happened that it shook the whole of India and sent shivers down the spine of everybody who heard the story or witnessed it for themselves. A family of 11 people had hung themselves in a neighborhood named Burari in the country’s national capital. It seemed like a suicide at first glance, and some started speculating foul play. But nobody had a clue that they were in for something so atrocious that even their wildest dreams would fall short by a considerable margin.
This documentary film released by Netflix is a true story and it explores the sensational case in Delhi of a family that was found dead in their house.
Though India is perceived to be a country of spirituality, it also has deep-rooted myths embedded in the belief system which makes people throw away their rationality and believe in supernatural forces. The series dissects a cult formed in a very small circle, the power-play, suspension of disbelief and blind following. The documentary talks to the relatives of the dead in Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. It talks to the reporters and investigators involved in covering the incident. It gets perspectives from psychiatrists, psychologists, sociologists and doctors, trying to gain ideas and understanding as to “why” this occurred.
Aside from that, the Police officials were under a lot of stress and pressure as this had become a very high-profile case. The Chief Minister himself went to the scene to get a ground report. There were a million other theories floating, and blame games had begun. The Crime Branch was also involved, and people didn’t stop in questioning the credibility of the Police forces in maintaining law and order. The local parties were taking advantage of the situation to incite people and further their agenda.
This documentary film has gained attention and interest from viewers and non-viewers as this holds a very sensitive and disturbing picture.
The most shocking revelation for the psychiatrists was that the kids never even once tried to hint or open up to the others about what was happening inside the house, even when it went on for 11 years. Gurcharan Singh, the neighbor, said that people gossip for a few months and then move on, but nothing remains the same for those who witness such a life-altering incident first-hand. The Burari Deaths case is still a mystery to some and an incident that they wouldn’t forget till they die. But let it be an awakening for each and everyone who mocks mental health because having mental health problems doesn’t mean that you are weak or a madman.
