A five-year-old girl allegedly lost her life at the hands of her father after she cried for food while he was intoxicated at their home in Jalandhar, police said on Thursday.

The accused, Arvinder Singh (30), a daily-wage labourer originally from Chhattisgarh, has been arrested and sent to two days of police remand by a local court.

## Child left alone with intoxicated father

According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the family’s residence in Doordarshan Enclave. The child, Niharika, was alone at home with her father, while her mother had gone to work.

Investigators said the accused had begun consuming alcohol earlier in the day, as it was his day off. Around 2.30 pm, the child began crying due to hunger and repeatedly asked her father for food. Police said her cries angered him, and he allegedly assaulted her in an attempt to silence her.

The child later became unresponsive.

## Accused continued drinking after incident: police

Police officials said that after the incident, the accused allegedly continued consuming alcohol inside the house. When the child’s mother returned home in the evening, she found her daughter lying motionless and immediately raised an alarm.

A complaint was later filed by the child’s uncle, following which police registered a case and arrested the accused.

Investigating officer ASI Balwinder Singh said the accused confessed during questioning and admitted he was heavily intoxicated at the time. “He claimed it was a mistake,” the officer said, adding that further investigation is underway.

## History of distress in the household

Police said preliminary inquiries revealed that the family was under severe financial stress and that the accused’s alcohol addiction had deeply affected domestic life. Neighbours reportedly told police that frequent arguments and incidents of domestic violence were common in the household.

## Renewed call to protect vulnerable children

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers children face in unsafe domestic environments and the urgent need for early intervention, community vigilance and support for families battling addiction.

If a child is in danger or needs help, contact Childline 1098