A woman died by suicide in Bengaluru hours after her 11-month-old child accidentally drowned in a bucket of water at their home, police said, describing the deaths as a linked tragedy triggered by the incident.
The episode unfolded on Thursday in Bhairaveshwara Nagar, under the jurisdiction of the Chandra Layout police station. According to investigators, the woman, a software professional working from home, had briefly stepped away to the terrace to collect clothes left out to dry, leaving the child unattended.
During that time, the infant is believed to have entered the bathroom area and fallen into a bucket filled with water.
“When the mother returned, she found the child unconscious. Preliminary findings suggest the baby had drowned in the bucket,” Deputy Commissioner of Police N Yetish said.
Police said the woman was deeply shaken after discovering the child and is believed to have blamed herself for the death. Later that night, her husband returned home and found the house locked from the inside. He entered using a spare key and found her hanging.
{{/usCountry}}Police said the woman was deeply shaken after discovering the child and is believed to have blamed herself for the death. Later that night, her husband returned home and found the house locked from the inside. He entered using a spare key and found her hanging.
{{/usCountry}}“The husband immediately informed the police after finding his wife in a hanging position. The baby was found lying on the bed,” the officer said.
A note recovered from the scene outlined her distress. In it, she wrote, “I am responsible for my child’s death. I could not save him, and I cannot live with this guilt.”
Investigators said there were signs she may have attempted to harm herself before taking the final step. “There are indications that she tried other means before ultimately ending her life,” an official said.
The bodies have been sent for postmortem examination. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and said they are treating the matter as an accidental drowning followed by suicide. “We are treating this as an accidental death of the child followed by suicide. Further investigation is underway,” officials said.