Bengaluru: In a deeply distressing incident reported from the Chandra Layout police station limits in the capital, an 11-month-old baby boy accidentally drowned in a bucket of water in the bathroom while his mother went to the terrace to fetch clothes. Traumatized by the sudden death of her child and consumed by overwhelming guilt, the mother subsequently died by suicide. The deceased have been identified as Pratibha (29), a software professional, and her 11-month-old son, Agastya. They were residents of Bhairaveshwara Nagar in Chandra Layout.
What Happened?
Pratibha and her husband Mahantesh, both software professionals, had been residing in a rented house in Bhairaveshwara Nagar for the last four years. While Mahantesh worked as an engineer at a company in Peenya, Pratibha worked from home for a private firm located near Silk Board.
Yesterday, Mahantesh had left for work as usual at 9:00 AM, leaving Pratibha and Agastya alone at home. While the toddler was playing, Pratibha went up to the terrace to retrieve clothes that were drying. During this brief window, the child reportedly crawled into the bathroom, fell into a bucket filled with water, and tragically drowned. When Pratibha returned from the terrace and found her son, her frantic efforts to save him were in vain.
Suicide Note Reveals the Mother's Grief
Unable to bear the shock of finding her child lifeless and feeling directly responsible for the accident, Pratibha fell into deep despair and decided to take her own life. Before doing so, she penned a suicide note in English, exposing the tragic chain of events:
"I went to the terrace to get clothes. Meanwhile, the baby went to the bathroom and drowned in the bucket. I could not save my baby. I am responsible for my baby's death. Forgive me..."
Following this, Pratibha reportedly swallowed 15 Dolo tablets and attempted to slit her left wrist with a knife. However, as the blood loss was insufficient, she eventually hanged herself in the room. Before ending her life, she had lovingly placed the child's body on the bed as if he was asleep.
Husband Met with a Horrifying Sight Upon Return
When Mahantesh returned home around 6:30 PM after finishing work, he found the door locked. Despite repeated knocking, his wife did not open the door, and calls to her phone went unanswered. Sensing that something was wrong, he used a key reachable through the window to unlock the door. Upon entering the room, he was met with the horrifying sight of his wife hanging. His child lay lifeless on the bed. Bloodstains, an empty tablet strip, and the suicide note were found nearby.
Police File a Case Following Husband's Complaint
In his complaint filed at the Chandra Layout police station, Mahantesh has expressed suspicion regarding the sudden and tragic deaths of his wife and son. The police have registered a case and are investigating. Further details will emerge once the post-mortem reports are finalized.