London toddler murder: Indian-origin couple accused of starving 3-year-old to death

By Sumesh Rajan | October 2, 2025

London, UK: In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the Indian-origin community in the United Kingdom, a couple has been accused of murdering their three-year-old daughter by deliberately starving her over several months.

According to reports, 34-year-old Manpreet Jatana and 36-year-old Jaskiret Singh Uppal appeared before the Old Bailey criminal court on Tuesday September 30, charged with the murder of their daughter, Penelope Chandrie. In addition to the murder charge, the pair also face counts of manslaughter, child neglect, and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Court Proceedings

During the hearing, Judge Lynn Tayton was told that the child had been "mistreated over an extended period of time" and subjected to “deliberate starvation”, which ultimately resulted in her death. The court heard that the child’s health had been deteriorating for months before she succumbed to fatal malnutrition.

The judge ordered both accused to remain in custody until December 16, when they are expected to enter formal pleas. The outcome will determine whether the case proceeds to sentencing or a full jury trial.

Discovery of the Body

Emergency services were called to a property on Pennine Way, Hayes (West London) on December 17, 2023, where they discovered the toddler’s lifeless body. Officers reported finding the child “very emaciated”, wrapped in a sheet inside the family home, which was described as being in poor living conditions.

Medical Findings

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Penelope had died of severe malnutrition. Pathologists concluded that the cause of death was “starvation over a prolonged period of many months culminating in fatal ketoacidosis.”

Investigators further noted that the family followed a restrictive vegetarian diet consisting largely of yoghurt, lentils, and butter, which prosecutors argued was grossly inadequate for a growing child. Combined with neglect, this diet was cited as a key factor in the toddler’s fatal decline.

Police Investigation

The Metropolitan Police launched a major investigation into the suspicious death, which stretched nearly two years before charges were brought. Following consultations with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Jatana and Uppal were formally charged with murder in September 2025.

In a statement, police said: “Following consultation with the CPS, both individuals have been charged with murder in connection with the girl’s death.”

Next Steps

The couple will remain behind bars until their next court appearance in December, when they are expected to enter pleas. Until then, reporting restrictions remain in place.

This case has drawn widespread condemnation, with child protection agencies calling it a tragic reminder of the importance of early intervention in safeguarding vulnerable children.