Delhi: Mother of two girls, kills third new-born daughter
In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old woman allegedly killed her new-born child at a West Delhi hospital because she didn't want another daughter. The accused identified as Reeta Devi claimed she was 'out of her senses'. The woman had said before the delivery that her husband fought with her as they already have two daughters. He, however, now claimed gender of child didn't matter to him.
Devi delivered a healthy baby, showed no unusual signs
Devi was admitted to ESIC hospital on Saturday after labor pain. Her husband Ashrafi Mahto said he waited at the hospital for a while, and then left as a woman they knew agreed to be the helper. On Sunday, around 3:50 AM, a healthy daughter was born, and Devi didn't show any unusual symptoms, the investigation found. At 7 AM, both were doing fine.
Devi alerted doctors the baby wasn't moving, they suspected murder
At around 9:30 AM on Sunday, Devi told doctors the girl wasn't moving. The doctors saw black marks around the child's nose, and later on her lips too. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vijay Kumar said when doctors suspected murder they informed them. A post-mortem report confirmed the brutal act. Upon investigating Devi and helper, the murder's motive was ascertained. Devi has been arrested.
Son or daughter doesn't matter, claims Devi's husband Mahto
Devi claimed her husband constantly complained about two daughters, but Mahto said otherwise. Mahto, who works as a helper at an office in Connaught Place, said, "For a poor man like me, a son or a daughter does not matter." Devi and Mahto lived in Naraina village, with their two daughters and one son. Mahto is a native of Bihar.
Postpartum Depression could be reason behind Devi's behavior, expert says
Psychiatrist Nimesh Desai said Devi might have acted out due to 'postpartum depression'. Mood swings, anger, anxiety, guilt, insomnia, hallucinations and delusions are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression. Notably, 15.3-23% of new Indian mothers suffered from it.
