Panchkula, May 31 -- In the months leading up to the tragic mass suicide by his seven-member family in Panchkula on May 27, the 42-year-old businessman had tried everything he could to overcome the family's financial struggle, including a taxi service, hotel rentals and an online content platform.

But every effort failed, reveals police probe. Investigators have since also concluded that the incident that shook the city was premeditated, involving online procurement of a chemical compound for suicide.

Investigators believe this chemical compound, procured online under the guise of a food-grade preservative, was mixed into cold drinks and water that the family was carrying, along with home-packed food and other household items.

Surveill...