In a disturbing incident, a 26-year-old woman allegedly strangled her nine-year-old niece to death in Laxmanapalli village under the Jagannathprasad area of Ganjam.
The accused, identified as Bidyabharati Moharana, has been arrested following the crime, police said.
Child reported missing, body found later
According to police, the girl had been reported missing from her uncle’s house on Wednesday morning. Hours later, her body was discovered in the early hours of Thursday, wrapped in a polythene sheet near an unused toilet close to the house.
A missing complaint had been filed by the child’s mother, prompting an immediate investigation.
Confession during interrogation
Police officials said the accused broke down during questioning and confessed to the crime. Preliminary findings revealed that the child had been left in her aunt’s care while her mother had gone to a hospital for a check-up.
After returning home from playing outside, the girl reportedly asked for food, following which the accused allegedly strangled her using a cloth.
Jealousy cited as motive
According to investigators, the accused was struggling with infertility and had been unable to conceive even after three years of marriage. Police said she grew resentful and acted out of jealousy when her husband took his sister for medical care.
The crime was allegedly committed in a moment of anger and emotional distress.
Legal action underway
The child’s body has been sent for postmortem examination. The accused has been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
A shocking reminder
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about mental health, domestic stress, and the need for emotional support systems within families