12-year-old Kerala girl drowns infant over fear of losing love
What's the story
A 12-year-old girl from Kerala's Pappinisseri has been booked for the murder of her four-month-old cousin. The baby was found in a well at their rented home.
The accused confessed to the crime and was later produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. She has now been sent to an observation home.
The deceased baby was Yasika, daughter of K Muthu and Akkammal of Perumpallur in Tamil Nadu.
Crime details
The incident: A tragic turn of events
The tragic incident took place on Monday night when Yasika, who was sleeping beside her parents, went missing around 11pm.
Muthu's relatives, including two small girls aged 12 and four, were also staying in the quarters.
During the night, the older girl allegedly took Yasika from her sleep and purposely dropped her into a well filled with water while her mother was asleep.
Fear of losing love
Motive behind the tragic incident revealed
Police suspect that the child has done this out of fear that she would be loved less by her relatives.
Her father had died three months ago, and her mother had deserted them long ago.
During the day, she used to take care of Yasika as her parents were often out working to collect scrap.
Community reaction
Neighbors express shock at the incident
Neighbors were left shocked over the incident.
Ajayakumar, a neighbor, said, "The accused was always seen here with her sister and used to go to the shop to buy things."
Yusuf, another neighbor, said, "I could make out from her face that 12-year-old has committed the crime." He further added that on Monday, when Yasika went missing, she had claimed she was out for nature's call.