6 Aug 2008, 1548 hrs IST, TNN MUMBAI: An HIV-positive couple committed suicide and killed their three children at link apartment in Mulund on Tuesday night after discovering that their daughter too was infected with the deadly virus.

The tragedy came to light after the dead husband fs younger brother, Armukham Thevar, 26, who is not infected, returned home at 11 pm to find the bodies. Police said the couple had been diagnosed with HIV two years ago, but they became even more depressed recently after learning that their daughter too had the illness.

The deceased were identified as Babu Ishwar Thevar, 39, his wife Amothi, 33, two sons Venkatesh and Mani, 10 and 8, and daughter Mahalaxmi, 6.

The couple allegedly first tried to kill their three children with sweets laced with poison. Police sources said the poison acted on the two boys, but the girl remained alive. The couple then smothered the girl to death, following which they committed suicide in their flat by hanging themselves from the ceiling with a nylon rope.

The couple was depressed that the treatment was not showing results and sources said that Thevar may have even stopped the treatment. Only Armukham knew about their illness. Armukham told the police that he was staying with his brother's family. He was a partner in the cable TV and film distribution businesses which his elder brother ran in Mulund.