Investigators discovered during the postmortem that the child had been subjected to brutal abuse for over a year by a close relative of the father.
Published May 23, 2025 | 12:30 PM ⚊ Updated May 23, 2025 | 12:30 PM
Kerala Police. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Kerala Police are gearing up to significantly expand their investigation into the death of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, who was allegedly thrown into a river by her mother. Investigators will also seek custody of a relative who subjected her to brutal abuse for over a year.
The Kerala Police are gearing up to significantly expand their investigation into the horrifying abuse and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, who was allegedly thrown into a river by her mother near Kochi, in the Ernakulam district.
The probe, which has already unearthed shocking details of prolonged abuse by a close relative, is now focusing on the mother’s mental state, her potential knowledge of the abuse, and the tumultuous family environment.
On Friday, 23 May, the police will be collecting evidence from her husband’s house in Puthenkurish, the bridge in Moozhikulam where the child was reportedly thrown into the river and her residence. The police emphasise that the statements obtained from the mother are crucial to understanding the full scope of this tragic case.
It was on 19 May that the girl went missing from Thiruvankulam near Thripunithura. Following an eight-hour search at the Chalakudy River, her body was fished out on 20 May.
The case took a disturbing turn when the arrested mother, in response to police questioning about her daughter’s death, repeatedly stated with an unchanging expression, “I went to throw my daughter in the river.” This unsettling consistency has heightened police suspicions regarding her mental health, prompting further investigation into this aspect.
Adding a chilling layer to the tragedy, investigators discovered during the postmortem that the child had been subjected to brutal abuse for over a year by a close relative of the father. The case is registered under FIR number 455/2025 at the Chengamanadu Police Station.
The forensic surgeon at Kalamassery Government Medical College Hospital confirmed the horrifying extent of the abuse during the initial examination.
Meanwhile, some human rights activists have already reached out to the state Home Secretary, demanding a comprehensive investigation, led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank officer. In light of the grave developments, activists have formally urged the government to intervene.
“Criminal acts deserve severe punishment. All the evidence in the case needs to come out,” stated the activists, emphasising the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry.
The accused relative was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days on Thursday, and the investigation team is expected to apply for his custody on Friday for detailed interrogation. A key focus for the police is to determine whether the mother was aware of the prolonged abuse inflicted upon her daughter.
While it is reportedly believed that the mother was unaware, the investigation team maintains that this can only be confirmed after thorough questioning.
The mother’s apparent indifference when informed by the police about the child’s constant abuse during her interrogation in custody has further perplexed investigators. Police find it incredulous that the mother could have remained oblivious to such prolonged abuse, especially given the severity of the findings.
The disarray within the family, attributed to uneasiness and domestic violence between the child’s parents, is also under scrutiny. The woman’s mother has come forward, alleging that her daughter was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, a claim the police are investigating in detail.
Investigators believe the accused relative may have exploited this strained family dynamic. Neighbours have also reportedly stated that the accused relative was very close to the child, further deepening the mystery surrounding the mother’s alleged actions and potential awareness.
The mother, currently in custody, will undergo further questioning and a medical examination. The ongoing interrogation is expected to shed more light on the mother’s mental state, her knowledge of the horrific abuse, and the intricate family dynamics that may have contributed to this devastating outcome.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
