Father arrested for killing 13 day old daughter

By Sumesh Rajan | July 25, 2026

Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, INDIA: A 28-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his 13-day-old daughter by throwing her into an underground water sump at his home in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district, police said. Investigators are examining whether disappointment over the birth of a second girl child was a motive behind the alleged crime.

The accused, identified as M. Imran, a resident of Shanthinagar, was taken into custody after police questioned family members and gathered preliminary evidence. A murder case has been registered based on a complaint filed by his wife, Muskan.

According to investigators, the couple welcomed their second daughter less than two weeks ago. They already have a four-year-old daughter. Police said preliminary findings suggest the accused had hoped for a son and was allegedly unhappy that the newborn was also a girl.

Police allege that during the early hours of Wednesday July 22 night, while other family members were asleep, Imran removed the infant from her bed and threw her into an underground water sump located within the family property.

When Muskan awoke and discovered that the baby was missing, she alerted family members, who began searching the house. According to police, Imran initially denied any knowledge of the child's whereabouts and joined the search.

As the search continued without success, relatives suspected the underground water sump. After draining the water, they found the infant inside and immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police were informed by hospital authorities and launched an investigation. During questioning, investigators said inconsistencies in the family's account raised suspicion. Based on the evidence collected and the accused's statements, police arrested Imran.

"We received information about the death of a newborn baby and immediately reached the scene. During the preliminary inquiry, suspicion fell on the father. Based on the evidence collected and his statements, he has been taken into custody. A murder case has been registered, and we are investigating all aspects of the incident," Chikkaballapur Town Circle Inspector Ranjan Kumar said.

Police are also questioning relatives and neighbours to determine whether there had been any prior family disputes or indications of gender bias before the incident.

The infant's body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.