A 34-year-old woman and her three-year-old daughter were found dead under mysterious circumstances in a lake near their residence at Kodial village, under the limits of Bellare police station in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, on Sunday.
The deceased have been identified as Madhusree (34), wife of Arwara Harish, and their three-year-old daughter Dhanvi.
Bodies found in nearby private lake
According to police, Harish was residing with his parents, wife and child at their house in Arwara locality of Kodial village. On Sunday morning, when Madhusree and Dhanvi were found missing from the house after having gone to sleep the previous night, family members began searching the surrounding area.
Their bodies were later discovered in a lake situated on private land close to the house. Locals alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies.
Suicide suspected, probe underway
Preliminary investigation suggests that Madhusree may have tied her daughter to her waist with a cloth before jumping into the lake, allegedly taking the extreme step. However, police said the exact circumstances leading to the deaths are yet to be established.
Madhusree was a native of Betageri village in Puttur taluk and had married Harish about four years ago. No suicide note has been recovered so far.
Officials from Bellare Police conducted a spot inspection, registered a case and shifted the bodies for post-mortem examination. Police said statements from family members and locals are being recorded as part of the investigation.
Community in shock
The incident has left the local community in shock, with residents expressing grief over the death of the young woman and her child. Police said further details would emerge after the post-mortem reports and completion of the investigation.