TN woman, lesbian partner arrested after husband alleges son killed
What's the story
A 26-year-old woman and her lesbian partner have been arrested in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district for allegedly killing the woman's five-month-old son. The incident took place on November 5 in Chinnati village when the child fell unconscious while feeding. He was taken to Kelamangalam Government Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The child's age was reportedly 5 months old.
Investigation begins
Child father suspected foul play
The child's father, Suresh (38), a day laborer, has two daughters aged five and four with his wife. He suspected foul play and checked his wife's phone. According to India Today, he found photographs and voice messages implicating his wife, Barathi, and her partner, Sumithra, in the child's death. Suresh also provided a recorded phone conversation where Barathi allegedly confessed to killing the infant.
Motive revealed
Relationship difficulties
Barathi and Sumithra had been in a relationship for three years. Police sources said tensions arose after Barathi gave birth, as the couple couldn't spend much time together. This allegedly led to the fatal incident. Both women have been arrested by the Kelamangalam Police, and further investigation is underway into the matter.
Autopsy findings
Baby died during breastfeeding
Earlier this month, the baby was believed to have died while being breastfed. At the time, a case of unnatural death was registered, and no post-mortem was ordered. The child's body was buried on the family's farmland. However, after Suresh approached authorities with his suspicions about Barathi's relationship with Sumithra and the possible harm to their child due to relationship tensions, an autopsy was conducted after exhumation of the body.
Cause of death
Law will take its course if baby was murdered: Police
The post-mortem report confirmed foul play, revealing that the infant had been smothered and strangled. During questioning, Barathi allegedly confessed she didn't want to raise Suresh's child and claimed he neglected her, News18 reported. A senior police officer told NDTV that "the law will take its course if the baby was murdered."