Bengaluru: In a heartbreaking incident, a 29-year-old software professional died by suicide shortly after her 11-month-old child accidentally drowned in a bucket of water at their residence on Wednesday.
The deceased has been identified as Pratibha, while the infant was identified as Agastya. Her husband, Mahantesh, was at work when the tragedy occurred.
Sequence of events
According to police reports, Pratibha was at home with her child when she briefly went to the terrace to collect dried clothes. During this time, the infant is believed to have crawled into the washing area and accidentally fallen into a bucket filled with water.
When she returned, she found the child unresponsive in the bucket. The sudden loss reportedly left her deeply distressed.
Suicide following shock and grief
Overcome with grief, Pratibha allegedly attempted suicide by multiple means. Police said she first consumed tablets and slit her wrists before eventually hanging herself.
Later in the evening, around 6.30 pm, Mahantesh returned home and found the door locked from inside. Using a spare key, he entered the house and discovered both his wife and child dead.
Suicide note recovered
Police recovered a suicide note from the scene along with an empty strip of 15 tablets. In the note, Pratibha reportedly held herself responsible for the child’s death, explaining that the incident occurred while she had briefly stepped away to the terrace.
The note indicated that she initially attempted to end her life through other means before resorting to hanging.
Police investigation underway
A case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing to ascertain all circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police officials stated that the family had been residing in the rented flat for the past four years. No prior complaints or incidents had been reported.
Safety concerns and awareness
The incident has once again highlighted the risks posed by seemingly minor household hazards, especially for infants. Buckets filled with water, often left unattended, can pose serious dangers to young children who are mobile but unaware of risks.
Authorities and child safety experts frequently advise caregivers to ensure that such hazards are eliminated or closely monitored to prevent accidental drownings.
Conclusion
The tragic incident in Bengaluru underscores the devastating impact of sudden accidents and emotional distress. While investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety at home and the need for emotional support systems during moments of crisis.
