The Additional District and Sessions Court-2 in Kota has sentenced a 32-year-old woman and her 56-year-old paramour to life imprisonment for the murder of her four-year-old daughter. The crime occurred in December 2020, when the child was killed and her body was disposed of in the Sariska forest. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on each of the convicted individuals.
Court's Strong Remarks on Motherhood
In its judgment, the court stated that the mother, identified as Teena alias Pushpa, had brought shame to motherhood. The judge observed that if a child cannot feel safe with her own mother, then there is no place where she can be truly secure.
Details of the Incident
The victim, Nandini, had suffered serious head injuries after falling from the roof of their Jaipur house on December 9, 2020. Unable to afford the treatment expenses, the couple decided to end her life. According to the prosecution, Teena and Prahalad Sahay allegedly strangled the girl using a shawl and pillows. They then dumped her body in a drain in the Sariska forest on the night of December 10–11.
Background of the Accused
Pushpa was married to Sumit Yadav of Borekheda village in Kota district. She came into contact with Prahalad Sahay through a wrong call in 2020 and subsequently left her home with Nandini in November 2020 to live with him. Sumit later filed a missing report at Budadeet police station.
Investigation and Arrest
Police traced Pushpa after five months. During questioning, she revealed the details of her daughter’s killing. The police then added Sections 302, 364, 201 and 34 of the IPC to the missing case and initiated an investigation. However, only the child’s skull was recovered from the forest area. The couple was arrested on May 17, 2021.
Conviction Based on Evidence
Based on the investigation, DNA reports, and witness statements, Judge Sarita Dhakad held Pushpa and Prahalad Sahay guilty of the murder. The court's decision underscores the gravity of the crime and the failure of maternal duty.
