In a case that has horrified a nation, a married couple in India has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly throwing their six-year-old disabled son into a crocodile-infested river following a domestic argument. The child’s body was recovered the following morning from the jaws of a crocodile.
The Incident
The tragedy unfolded on the night of May 4, 2024, in Halamadi village near Dandeli in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. According to police reports, Savitri, 32, and her husband Ravi Kumar, 36, had engaged in a heated argument over their eldest son Vinod, who was born deaf and speech-impaired .
The couple reportedly fought frequently about their son’s condition, with Ravi Kumar allegedly expressing deep dissatisfaction and repeatedly telling his wife to “throw the child away” and “let him die” .
A Mother’s Alleged Act
Following the argument on Saturday evening, police allege that Savitri picked up her sleeping son and threw him into a waste canal connected to the Kali River, which is known to be infested with crocodiles . The incident occurred around 9 PM.
According to witnesses, Savitri initially returned home and raised an alarm, screaming for help. Neighbors immediately contacted police, and a search operation was launched. However, darkness hampered rescue efforts, and the child could not be located that night .
Grim Discovery
On Sunday morning, rescue teams resumed their search. The child’s body was recovered from the jaws of a crocodile, with severe injuries and bite marks across his body. His right hand was missing, indicating he had been attacked by the reptiles .
The body was sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Blame and Accountability
Speaking to reporters, Savitri accused her husband of mental torture and blamed him for their son’s death. “My husband is responsible. He kept saying let the boy die. My husband said that all he does is eat,” she claimed. “If my husband keeps repeating such things, how much torture could my son endure?”
The couple, who also have a two-year-old son, worked as domestic help and a mason’s assistant respectively.
Legal Proceedings
Police registered a case of murder under sections 109 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code and arrested both husband and wife in connection with the incident . The couple appeared in court and were remanded to 14-day judicial custody .
A police officer confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Community in Shock
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, raising troubling questions about the treatment of children with disabilities and the devastating consequences of domestic conflict. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of special-needs children and the importance of support systems for families facing such challenges.
