Karnataka Infant Murder Case: Mother and Friend Arrested After Confession 

A six-month-old baby girl who was found dead inside a car in Kadugodi, Bengaluru, was initially believed to have died under suspicious circumstances, but the police investigation has now confirmed it was a case of murder. According to investigators, the mother’s male friend confessed that he fatally assaulted the infant by striking her in the stomach with his elbow while the child was inside the vehicle. Police allege that the mother was aware of, and involved in, the events leading to the child’s death. The accused friend has been arrested, while the mother was traced and taken into custody after a search operation. The case has attracted widespread public attention because of the alleged involvement of the child’s own mother in the crime.

Legal Significance

The case highlights the criminal liability of parents and caregivers when a child dies due to intentional acts or conspiracy rather than negligence. If the prosecution establishes common intention or participation by both accused persons, charges such as murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and criminal conspiracy may apply. The matter also underscores the importance of forensic evidence, medical examination, and confession-related evidence in distinguishing homicide from an accidental or natural death. Given that the victim was an infant, courts are likely to treat the offence as particularly grave while determining guilt and sentencing. 

📰 Source: Manorama News (English)