Inquest opens on Bradford wife and daughters ‘murdered by devoted dad’

The bodies of the Lad family - father Jitendra Maganbhai, 49, wife Dukshaben, 44, Trisha Jitendra, 19, and 16-year-old Nisha Jitendra were discovered at their smart, detached house in the village of Clayton, on Monday evening.

During the short hearing at Bradford Coroners’ Court, Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police confirmed that as a result of initial enquiries it was believed Mr Lad had killed his wife and two daughters before taking his own life.

Det Sup Atkinson also confirmed post mortems had been carried out on all four bodies meaning the family’s remains could now be released for funeral arrangements to be made.

Police revealed on Wednesday evening that Mr Lad was found hanged, and that his wife and daughters had been stabbed to death in their beds.

Detectives reiterated they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Coroners officer Marie Sylvester said the family’s bodies were taken to a mortuary in Bradford, where they were identified by family members.

Assistant Coroner Mary Burke adjourned the inquest for further investigations to take place and a full report to be served.

She said: “I confirm that I propose to issue cremation forms and interim death certificates in respect to the four individuals.”

Councillor Carol Thirkhill, who has visited the property where the family lived to lay flowers, said people in the village were “in shock” at the revelation.

She said: “It is shocking, but no-one really knows what went on and I don’t suppose we ever will. It may all come out in the future, but to all intents and purposes, they seemed a normal, happy family. But we do not know what goes on behind closed doors.

“It is a very, very sad situation.

“It is just shock more than anything. That it happened, and the way it has happened.”

Kamal Sharma, a vice-chairman on the management committee of the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, in Bradford, said the “devoted” family would probably be mentioned at a service this Sunday.

When asked about the possibility of a special service for the Lad family, Mr Sharma added: “We might do it on Sunday. At the moment there is not anything planned because the community is still grieving and is still in deep shock.

“There might be something at the end of the service to pay respect to the departed souls.”