Three members of a family were found dead in their house at Belakana village under Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district on Sunday morning.
A woman and her two daughters were found dead while a two-year-old girl was rescued in an unconscious state. The deceased were identified as Anganwadi Worker Utkala Shukla and her daughters Pinki (38) and Rinki (26).
Villagers grew suspicious as they found no movement or activity in the house and informed police. The police found the trio lying dead in a bed.
Preliminary investigation revealed that in a suicide pact they might have consumed some poisonous substance to end their lives as pesticide was found near their bed.
The Anganwadi workers’ association alleged that the woman and her daughters committed suicide after being troubled by the ward member and helper.
The association members also staged a road blockade demanding action against the culprits.