In a shocking incident in Delhi, a 35-year-old man allegedly killed his 10-month-old daughter because he believed raising a second girl child was too expensive. He then staged a kidnapping to mislead the police.
How the Crime Unfolded
The accused, identified as Ravi Kumar, a resident of northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura area, reported his daughter missing on Tuesday evening. He claimed that an unknown person had kidnapped her while she was playing outside their home. However, during investigation, police found inconsistencies in his statements.
Upon questioning, Kumar broke down and confessed to the crime. He told police that he had two daughters, aged 10 months and 4 years, and felt burdened by the financial responsibility of raising them. He decided to kill the younger one to reduce the family's expenses.
Police Investigation Reveals Truth
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Sanjay Sain said that the accused initially tried to mislead the investigation by claiming a kidnapping. However, technical surveillance and interrogation revealed his involvement. The police recovered the infant's body from a nearby drain.
Kumar has been arrested and charged with murder and destruction of evidence. The child's mother, who was unaware of her husband's intentions, is in a state of shock. Neighbors expressed horror at the incident, stating that the family appeared normal and the accused was a loving father.
Broader Context of Gender Bias
This case highlights the deep-rooted gender bias and the societal preference for male children in India. Despite legal prohibitions, female infanticide and feticide continue to occur, often driven by economic factors and dowry concerns.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, thousands of cases of female infanticide are reported annually, though many go unreported. Activists call for stricter enforcement of laws and greater awareness to change mindsets.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding severe punishment for the accused. Child rights organizations have urged the government to provide support for families with daughters to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the police are also examining if the accused had any history of mental illness or was influenced by anyone else. The child's body has been sent for postmortem, and further legal proceedings are underway.
