Mother throws 6-year-old speech-impaired son into crocodile-infested river in Karnataka

A 26-year-old woman reportedly tossed her six-year-old speech disabled son into a river infested with crocodiles in Dandeli taluk in the India's southern state of Karnataka after an argument with her husband, as per police statements on Sunday (May 5). The boy died later.

The husband and wife frequently argued about their older son's speech disability, which he has had since birth. They also mentioned having a two-year-old son.

Savitri's husband, Ravi Kumar, frequently argued with her about their elder son's disability, questioning why she gave birth to such a child. Police reported that on some occasions, he allegedly urged her to"throw the child away."

After another argument about this issue on Saturday evening (May 4), a frustrated Savitri purportedly threw her elder son into a waste canal connected directly to the Kali river, which is known to be infested with crocodiles.

Police found the child's body with a missing hand

Neighbours alerted the police, who arrived at the scene and, with the help of locals and divers, conducted a search operation to rescue the child. However, due to the darkness, the police were unable to locate the child.

A police officer said on Sunday morning that they found the child's body. The child had severe injuries, bite marks all over, and its one hand was missing, suggesting a crocodile attack. The body was sent for examination to determine the exact cause of death. The police are still investigating.

Also watch |China hunts for nearly 70 crocodiles that escaped during China floods | WION

"We have registered a case at Dandeli Rural Police station under section 109 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code and arrested both husband and wife in connection with the incident," the officer told PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)