In a deeply disturbing incident, a woman allegedly strangled her two minor sons to death in Navsari district of Gujarat, claiming she acted for the “salvation of her ancestors”. The tragedy unfolded late Thursday night in Bilimora town, leaving the local community in shock. Police have arrested the woman, identified as Sunita Sharma, who also attempted to kill her father-in-law before he managed to escape and alert neighbours.
Woman had been disturbed for days, say police
Sunita Sharma, originally from Uttar Pradesh, lived in a flat in Bilimora’s Desra area with her husband Shivkant, their two sons aged seven and four, and her parents-in-law, Indrapal and Susri. According to officials, Sharma had been displaying signs of severe emotional distress for several days.
Her husband, diagnosed with typhoid, had been admitted to a private hospital, and her in-laws had visited him on Thursday evening to deliver food. After returning home, they went to sleep while Sharma remained alone in her bedroom.
Children strangled during the night
Deputy Superintendent of Police B. V. Gohil said that around midnight, Sharma reportedly began praying loudly to a deity. Moments later, she strangled both her sleeping sons. Police said she later claimed that the act was meant to bring spiritual salvation to her ancestors, though officials emphasised that the motive remains under investigation.
Father-in-law escapes and alerts neighbours
After killing the children, Sharma entered her in-laws’ room and attempted to strangle her father-in-law, Indrapal. He resisted her attack and managed to flee the apartment.
Once outside, he raised an alarm and called neighbours for help. Meanwhile, Sharma locked the front door from the inside and refused to respond to repeated knocks and pleas.
Police forced entry to arrest accused
A police team soon arrived at the apartment. With no response from inside, officers broke open the door and discovered Sharma sitting beside the lifeless bodies of her two sons. She was taken into custody on the spot.
Authorities have sent the bodies for post-mortem and are conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading up to the killings. Police are also examining Sharma’s mental condition and recent behaviour.
Community shocked by the tragedy
Residents of Bilimora have expressed disbelief at the horrific incident, particularly since the family had been living in the area for several years without any prior issues being reported. Local officials have urged people not to speculate on the motive until the investigation concludes.
Conclusion
While police continue to investigate the woman’s mental state and the chain of events that led to the double murder, the incident has reignited concerns about the need for accessible mental health support and early intervention in cases of distress. The tragedy has left a family shattered and a neighbourhood shaken.