Tragedy Strikes Chalakudy: Mother Throws Three-year-old Daughter into River, Held by Police

KOCHI:
In a heartbreaking incident that has left the community in shock, a woman in Kerala’s Thrissur district allegedly threw her three-year-old daughter into the Chalakudy river on Monday evening, leading to the child’s tragic death.

The woman, identified as Sandhya, had picked up her daughter Kalyani from the local Anganwadi centre around 3:30 pm. However, when she returned home alone, suspicions were raised. Sandhya’s mother, Ally, asked her about the whereabouts of little Kalyani, to which Sandhya initially gave evasive answers, claiming the child had gone somewhere.

Soon after, Sandhya told neighbours and locals that Kalyani had gone missing while travelling on a bus. The matter was reported to the police, and an intensive search was launched. During the probe, police reviewed nearby CCTV footage and found Sandhya near the Chalakudy river around the time of the child’s disappearance.

Upon interrogation, Sandhya confessed to the heinous act of throwing her daughter into the river. Acting swiftly, the police took her into custody, and with the help of local residents, Kalyani’s lifeless body was recovered around 3:30 am on Tuesday.

Family issues are suspected to have triggered the crime. According to police, Sandhya’s husband, Subhash, stated that she often disregarded his advice and only heeded her mother and sister. He refuted rumours of her mental instability, insisting she was mentally sound.

A disturbing revelation was also made by a neighbour, Ashokan, who recalled a previous incident where Sandhya allegedly tried to feed Kalyani ice-cream laced with poison. “Her elder child saved Kalyani that day. The matter was reported to the police and she was sent for counselling,” he shared.

Kalyani’s Anganwadi teacher, Soumya, was overcome with emotion and unable to contain her grief upon hearing the tragic news. The entire locality is in mourning, grappling with the shock of losing an innocent child in such a harrowing manner.

Police continue their investigation as the community prays for justice and healing in the wake of this grim episode.