Grandmother Strangles 4-Month-Old Granddaughter In Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal:

In a shocking incident from Barkhedi village in Seoni Malwa, Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, a grandmother took the life of her four-month-old granddaughter due to her desire for a male grandchild, according to police reports.

Police identified the accused as Meenabai Ashware, who allegedly killed the infant, Kritika, by placing a towel in her mouth while the baby was sleeping on a swing in the courtyard last Friday. During this time, the baby's mother, Meera, was washing dishes behind the house.

Following the murder, Meenabai reportedly wrapped the child's body in a bundle and disposed of it in a dry well near the residence.

When family members realized the child was missing, villagers and police initiated a search of the surrounding area.

The girl's grandfather, Nirbhay Singh, discovered a suspicious bundle in the well. Police stated that Meenabai attempted to prevent him from retrieving it, claiming it contained menstrual clothes.

Upon investigation by police, the bundle was opened to reveal the body, which had been in the well for three days.

Shubham Ashware, the child's father, who was at work during the incident, stated, "The bundle was found lying in the well. My mother confessed to it. I don't know whether she acted out of fear or what she did... I only wish that justice will be served."

Station House Officer Rajesh Dubey reported that a post-mortem was conducted by two doctors with forensic expert guidance.

"A 24-centimeter-long and 10-centimeter-wide piece of towel was recovered from the child's mouth. The cause of death was suffocation. From the beginning, suspicion was on someone close to the family. After interrogation, the grandmother confessed to the crime. She has been arrested and will be presented in court."

Police confirmed that Meenabai's actions were motivated by her disappointment over the birth of a second granddaughter.

According to police, the family already had an older daughter, and the grandmother frequently complained about not having a grandson.