In a deeply shocking and tragic case, a five-month-old baby girl was allegedly murdered by her own mother and grandmother in Narasinghapuram village of Pithapuram mandal, East Godavari district, to facilitate the mother’s second marriage within caste boundaries.
According to police reports, Shailaja, the infant’s mother, had eloped two years ago with a man named Satish, who belonged to a different caste. After returning to her parental home recently, she gave birth to a baby girl, Yashwita, around five months ago. However, her mother, Annavaram, reportedly opposed the relationship and later sought to arrange a second marriage for Shailaja with a man from their own caste.
Authorities say that the baby was seen as an obstacle to this proposed marriage. On May 6, in an appalling act of cruelty, the infant was allegedly strangled by her mother and grandmother, and her body was dumped into a nearby well.
In an attempt to mislead the community and investigators, the accused placed a small tree and lemons near their house — a setup commonly associated with black magic rituals — suggesting that the child had been killed through supernatural means.
However, police grew suspicious and launched a thorough investigation. Upon interrogation, both women reportedly confessed to the crime.
“The murder was premeditated and carried out with a disturbing level of deceit,” said a senior investigating officer. “What is more distressing is that the motive was rooted in caste-based pressures and the stigma surrounding a child born from an inter-caste relationship.”
The police have taken both Shailaja and her mother Annavaram into custody. Charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and destruction of evidence, are expected to be filed.
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with local activists calling for justice and a deeper inquiry into the social pressures that led to this act. Many are demanding stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and children and greater awareness to combat caste-based discrimination and honor-related crimes.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have assured that the case will be prosecuted with the utmost seriousness to ensure justice for the young victim, Yashwita.
