Woman arrested in Malayinkeezhu over infant daughter's death

The Malayinkeezhu police on Friday formally recorded the arrest of Christy, a resident of Vilavoorkal, in connection with the death of her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ivana. The child was allegedly killed at their home a day earlier.

The arrest was recorded at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital, where Christy is undergoing treatment. Investigators said she attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills after the alleged crime.

She was taken into custody soon after her daughter was found with a severe neck injury. The infant was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. According to the police, the mother has admitted to having killed the child inside their room.

After the post-mortem examination was completed, the child's body was brought back to the family home. Relatives, friends and local residents gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects before the funeral rites. The remains were later buried in keeping with the family's customs.

Police suspect the crime is linked to domestic problems and a marital dispute between Christy and her husband, Abhijith. Investigators are also looking into preliminary indications that she may have been suffering from postpartum depression, which could have contributed to the mental distress preceding the incident.

The investigation team is expected to seek custody of the accused to gather evidence and establish the circumstances that led to the murder.

Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling DISHA at 1056 or 0471-2552056, the State's health helpline at 104, Maithri at 0484-2540530, or the Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre at 0495-2760000.