By Sumesh Rajan | October 1, 2026
Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA: A 33-year-old woman has been arrested on charges of murdering her two young children by allegedly drowning them in a concrete water tank at their rented house near Kozhinjampara in Palakkad district.
The accused, identified as Nivedya, was arrested after police said she confessed during questioning to killing her five-year-old daughter, Jennifer Juliet, and three-year-old son, Robin Christopher.
The children, born to Nivedya and John Kumar of Pazhaniyarpalayam in Vadakarapathy, were found dead inside a water tank in the bathroom of their rented house at Koorankad, Menonpara, on Tuesday, September 29. The family had moved into the house around two months ago.
According to the initial account given to police, Nivedya said she was working in the kitchen while the children were playing inside the house. After noticing that they had gone unusually quiet, she claimed she searched for them and found them inside the water tank.
The children were rushed to hospital but could not be saved. John Kumar, who works as a firewood cutter, was reportedly away at work when the incident occurred.
Relatives Raise Suspicion
Police initially considered the possibility of an accidental drowning. However, relatives raised doubts over how both children could have drowned in the tank at the same time.
Family members told investigators that the children were familiar with the tank and had previously played in it. John Kumar's sister, Bensi, also reportedly sought a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
As suspicions grew, family members questioned Nivedya on Wednesday morning. Police said she subsequently admitted to killing the children and repeated the confession during questioning at Kozhinjampara police station.
According to investigators, Nivedya allegedly drowned Jennifer first while the child was near the bathroom water tank. Police said she told them that she held the girl's head underwater until she stopped responding.
She then allegedly placed Robin in the tank and held him underwater until he died.
The tank, which is around three feet high, reportedly contained water up to about three-fourths of its capacity.
Post-Mortem Confirms Drowning
The post-mortem examination found no external injuries or signs of physical assault on the children's bodies. Investigators said the medical findings indicated that both children died from drowning, with water detected in their lungs.
Following the alleged confession and other evidence gathered during the investigation, police registered a murder case against Nivedya. She was produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.
Motive Still Under Investigation
Police said the exact motive behind the killings has not yet been conclusively established.
During questioning, Nivedya allegedly told investigators that she wanted to continue her studies, pursue modelling and live independently, and felt that caring for the children was preventing her from doing so.
However, investigators are examining whether other circumstances may have contributed to the killings.
Police have also learned of frequent disputes between Nivedya and John Kumar. Relatives reportedly told investigators that the couple had been living together but were not legally married.
“The reason behind the killings and the circumstances in which they were carried out will become clear only after further questioning,” Dy.SP M. Sasidharan said.
Investigators are expected to examine Nivedya's mobile phone and other evidence to determine whether there were additional factors behind the deaths.
The Kozhinjampara police are continuing the investigation.
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