Toddler dies in Thiruvananthapuram; mother taken into custody for questioning

A one-and-a-half-year-old girl died after allegedly being attacked by her mother at their home in Vilavoorkal, near Malayinkeezhu, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The child, identified as Ivana, also known as Anna, was the daughter of Abhijith and Christy.

The child suffered a severe injury to her neck and was first taken to the Vilavoorkal family health centre before being referred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where she died. The incident came to light around 5 p.m.

The Malayinkeezhu police have taken Christy into custody for questioning. Preliminary information indicates the incident occurred inside the family residence. The mother had reportedly taken the child into a room after lunch, as was her routine, while other family members were elsewhere in the house. The child's father and some other relatives were said to be away at work.

Concern grew when the mother and child did not emerge from the room at the usual time. Relatives knocked on the door, and the mother eventually opened it and allegedly told them she had killed the child.

Official sources said the motive for the alleged murder has not yet been established. While initial reports pointed to the possibility of domestic disputes as one line of inquiry, the police are also examining whether Christy has any mental ailments.

Tension prevailed at the scene as local residents expressed strong anger and protested against Christy. It took considerable effort by a police team led by the Malayinkeezhu Station House Officer to remove her from the spot and take her to the police station.