Tragic Infant Death in Bihar Village as Father with Mental Health Issues Allegedly Kills Daughter
A devastating incident has shaken the community of Itahna village in Bihar's Bhojpur district, where a 35-year-old man allegedly killed his six-month-old daughter before fleeing the scene. The tragic event occurred on Wednesday evening under the jurisdiction of Krishnagarh police station, leaving the infant's mother shattered and the local authorities scrambling to locate the absconding father.
Police Launch Manhunt for Absconding Father
Police have initiated an extensive search operation to apprehend the suspect, who reportedly suffers from mental health issues. The deceased infant has been identified as Aaradhya, daughter of Dipankar Kumar and Suniti Devi, residents of the Dhobahan police station area within the same district.
"Family members of the victim have not lodged any complaint so far. However, taking cognizance of the incident, which was reported by locals, we are investigating the matter," stated Vijay Paswan, additional SHO of Krishnagarh police station, on Thursday. He emphasized that the child's mother remains devastated by the loss of her only daughter and is currently unable to file a formal complaint.
Mother's Heartbreaking Account of the Incident
Suniti Devi provided a chilling account of the events leading to her daughter's death. She explained that she had taken her husband to a sorcerer near a local temple in Itahna village for treatment of his mental health condition.
"My daughter had soiled her diaper, so I handed her over to my husband and went to wash her clothes near a hand pump. While I was washing, my baby started crying. Irritated by this, my husband held her by both legs and banged her on the floor, causing severe head injuries. She succumbed on the way to Sadar hospital in Ara," Suniti claimed through tears.
History of Mental Health Issues and Previous Violence
The mother further revealed that her husband had been struggling with mental health problems for approximately one month prior to the incident. She alleged that he had previously attempted to strangle their daughter during fits of rage, indicating a pattern of violent behavior connected to his deteriorating mental state.
"He was not like this earlier. We believed he was possessed by evil spirits, which is why I brought him to a sorcerer for treatment. But before anything could be done, this tragedy occurred," Suniti explained, highlighting the family's desperate attempts to seek help through traditional means before the fatal incident.
Community and Police Response
The local community remains in shock following the brutal killing of the infant. Police officials have intensified their search efforts across the district, focusing on possible hiding places the father might have sought. The investigation continues despite the absence of a formal complaint from the grieving family.
This tragic case underscores several critical issues facing rural communities in Bihar, including:
- The intersection of mental health crises and family violence
- Limited access to professional mental healthcare in remote areas
- The reliance on traditional healing methods in absence of medical resources
- The devastating consequences when mental health conditions go untreated
As the police search for the absconding father, questions remain about how such tragedies can be prevented in the future through better mental health awareness and support systems in rural India.
