The State
Navi Mumbai Woman Arrested After Daughter’s Death Ruled a Homicide
A 30-year-old woman was arrested in Navi Mumbai’s Kalamboli area after she allegedly killed her six-year-old daughter, police said. The child’s death was initially reported as a natural illness, but a post-mortem revealed she died from smothering, prompting a murder investigation.
The incident took place on December 23 at the family’s home in Guru Sankalp Society, Sector-1E, Kalamboli. The girl — identified as Mansi — had returned home from tuition when her mother claimed she suddenly became unwell.
The woman told police that the child suffered a heart attack. Based on her statement, an accidental death report was initially filed.
Doctors at the Panvel sub-district hospital grew suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Mansi’s death. Police ordered a post-mortem, which showed the girl had died from asphyxiation — consistent with smothering rather than natural causes.
Following the post-mortem findings, police arrested the mother on suspicion of homicide.
During questioning, police learned the mother had repeatedly complained about her daughter’s speech development. Officials said she was unhappy that Mansi did not speak Marathi fluently and instead used Hindi more often.
According to the police complaint, the woman became frustrated with the child’s language habits and made statements reflecting her dissatisfaction before the incident.
As the interrogation continued, the woman reportedly admitted to smothering her daughter by covering the child’s nose and mouth and applying pressure to her body.
Senior police inspector Rajendra Kote said the woman’s admission, along with the medical evidence, formed the basis for her arrest.
The mother was taken into custody on Friday and produced before the Panvel court, which remanded her in police custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities clarified that being named in a police complaint and arrested is part of the legal process. The accused will be given an opportunity to defend herself in court as the case proceeds.