A 22-year-old woman, identified as N Jenisha Nath, allegedly ended her life by jumping into the lake at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru early on Saturday morning. Jenisha, who had recently delivered a baby boy at Vani Vilas Hospital, was reportedly suffering from post-partum depression.
Police said the woman walked over 2 km from Vani Vilas Hospital to Lalbagh around 4 am and entered the garden through the gates that had been opened for morning walkers. She went directly to the lake and jumped in.
Security staff alerted police after discovery
The incident came to light around 7 am when security personnel at Lalbagh noticed a body floating in the lake and immediately alerted the Siddapura police station.
The unidentified body was then shifted to Victoria Hospital mortuary for further examination.
By afternoon, police received a missing person complaint when Nabaraj, a security guard and the husband of the deceased, approached VV Puram police station. He informed the officials that his wife, who had been undergoing postnatal treatment at Vani Vilas Hospital, had gone missing, leaving behind their newborn child.
Identification of the victim
Soon after, police connected the two cases and escorted Nabaraj to Victoria Hospital mortuary, where he identified the body as that of his wife, Jenisha.
Originally from Nepal, Jenisha was residing with her husband in Sarjapur.
Post-partum depression suspected
According to police officials, Jenisha had delivered her baby boy on August 17. However, within days, doctors noticed that the infant was losing weight rapidly, raising health concerns.
This reportedly left Jenisha deeply disturbed. “Depressed, she left Vani Vilas Hospital at around 4 am. She walked towards Lalbagh, entered through the open gates, and ended her life by jumping into the lake,” an investigating officer said.
Investigation underway
Police have taken statements from the husband and hospital authorities to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragedy. While no foul play is suspected, officers are treating the case as one of suicide linked to post-partum depression.
The baby, meanwhile, is under medical supervision at Vani Vilas Hospital.
Rising concerns over maternal mental health
Medical experts say the incident highlights the urgent need to address mental health challenges faced by new mothers. Post-partum depression often remains undiagnosed in India due to stigma and lack of awareness.
Doctors stress that counselling, timely intervention, and family support are crucial in preventing such tragedies.
Conclusion
The unfortunate incident at Lalbagh has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of new mothers experiencing postnatal stress. Police have urged families to be more observant of behavioural changes in new mothers and seek timely medical help.