Bengaluru: A woman allegedly killed her four-month-old twin daughters before attempting to take her own life at her residence in Bengaluru’s Vajrahalli area on Tuesday afternoon, according to a complaint filed by her husband. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.
The incident occurred at a residence in BCC HS Layout, Vajrahalli. The children’s father, identified as Ramalingappa, reportedly returned home that afternoon and found a room locked from inside. When the door was opened, he allegedly found his wife, Umadevi, attempting suicide. The couple’s twin daughters were found dead inside the same room.
Twin daughters found dead at home
According to the complaint, Umadevi had undergone IVF treatment before giving birth to the twin girls on May 5 this year. The infants were around four months old at the time of the incident.
After discovering the situation, the children were taken to Shankar Hospital. Doctors reportedly suspected that the infants had died after being submerged in water. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths are part of the ongoing police investigation.
Police, acting on the father’s complaint, have alleged that Umadevi caused the deaths of her daughters before attempting to take her own life. The allegations are yet to be established through the investigation and legal process.
Family had noticed change after childbirth
The family had reportedly observed changes in Umadevi’s behaviour after she gave birth to the twins. According to the report, she appeared increasingly disinterested in the children and had repeatedly spoken about sending them to an ashram.
The family had subsequently taken her for psychiatric treatment. Doctors reportedly attributed her behaviour to postpartum depression and hormonal imbalance.
The reported mental health history is now likely to be an important part of the investigation as police seek to establish what led to the deaths of the infants and the subsequent suicide attempt.
Police investigation underway
Talaghattapura Police have registered a case under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the deaths. Investigators are examining the circumstances at the residence and the sequence of events that preceded the incident.
The case has raised concerns about the importance of recognising serious mental health difficulties following childbirth. While postpartum depression can affect new mothers, the circumstances reported in this case are particularly grave and will require investigation based on medical, forensic and police evidence.
At present, the allegation that Umadevi caused the deaths of her daughters remains part of the police case. Further findings from the investigation and medical examination are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Mental health support remains important
The incident also highlights the need for families to pay attention to significant behavioural or emotional changes after childbirth and seek professional help when necessary. NDTV’s report notes that mental health support is available through specialist services and helplines.
The investigation by Talaghattapura Police is continuing, while the exact circumstances behind the deaths of the twin infants and the woman’s suicide attempt remain under examination.