A shocking case in Bengaluru has taken a shocking turn after the death of a three-month-old infant, initially thought to have fallen from a bed, was declared a murder. The baby's parents have a case against the child’s parents after a post-mortem examination showed injuries that are not consistent with an accident.
The baby was rushed to the hospital by the parents, who said the infant fell from a bed at their house, said police. But doctors who examined the child saw several visible injuries and notified police, and launched a medico-legal investigation.
The autopsy found injuries to the baby’s face, chest, and other parts of the body that raised serious doubts about the parents’ version of events. Medical experts said such injuries were not often caused by a simple fall from a bed; all others were caused by falling from a bed.
Based on the forensic evidence, Bengaluru police registered a murder case against the parents under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are now investigating whether the infant was physically abused before the death.
Police officials said they are investigating both parents to establish the sequence of events leading to the child’s death. Relatives, neighbours, and medical workers are also being asked about whether there was prior domestic violence or child abuse.
Investigators are collecting forensic evidence from the family’s residence, including photographs, clothing, and other materials that could help establish how the injuries were inflicted. They are also going through any available CCTV footage from the neighbourhood and checking the parents’ movements before the child was taken to the hospital.
We can't say yet why the suspected crime may or may not be motivated, and until now, there are no official arrests at all, police said. Police said their investigation is still in the early stages and they are looking at all angles, including intentional assault and negligence.
The tragic incident has piqued many human and child safety issues and calls for the quick reporting of suspected abuse. Medical examinations of injuries in children are essential in identifying injuries that may have been intentionally inflicted and may be misdiagnosed as accidents, child welfare experts say.
Police have advised the public not to speculate and that the investigation is not over. Forensic evidence, witness reports, and the result of the investigation will determine the outcome, they said.
