She Cooked Varan Bhat, Now Her 3 Kids Are Dead
Sandhya Sandeep Bere, a housewife living in Talepada locality of Asnoli village, is accused of mixing pesticide into varan bhat, a traditional rice and lentil dish. She served this meal to her daughters, aged 5, 8, and 10.
Soon after eating, all three children began vomiting and felt dizzy. They were rushed to a nearby hospital. As their conditions worsened:
- Two girls were transferred to a hospital in Mumbai.
- One child was taken to a facility in Nashik.
Tragically, all three children passed away between July 24 and July 25.
Initial Response and Investigation
At first, the police registered the deaths as accidental. However, suspicions were raised by the woman’s in-laws. This led investigators to look more closely into the circumstances.
After the postmortem reports came in on the night of July 26, forensic tests confirmed the presence of poison in the children’s bodies. Based on this critical evidence, police arrested Sandhya around 2 a.m. on July 27 and officially charged her with murder.
Possible Motive
According to police sources, Sandhya had been going through a very difficult period in her personal life. She was:
- Separated from her husband, who allegedly had a history of alcohol abuse
- Struggling to raise three children on her own
- Facing emotional, financial, and possibly social isolation
Although she had no known history of mental illness, the weight of ongoing domestic problems may have pushed her into a state of despair. Investigators believe that this mental and emotional strain may have contributed to her actions.
Medical and Social Insights
- Mental Health Awareness: Women facing abuse or neglect often do not have access to counselling or mental health care.
- Support for Single Mothers: Lack of financial and emotional support can lead to overwhelming situations.
- Early Warning Signs: Communities, neighbours, and local health workers must be more aware of signs of distress in vulnerable families.
Healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement must work together to improve access to preventive mental health care, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Conclusion
The loss of three innocent lives under such tragic circumstances is a wake-up call. Beyond the legal investigation, this case reflects a deeper need for community-based mental health care, domestic abuse intervention, and stronger safety nets for women in distress.
The investigation is ongoing, and further psychological evaluations of the accused are expected. Authorities urge families and communities to speak up and seek help when they see early signs of emotional or domestic crisis.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
