Mother Gets Death for Drowning 3 Sons in River
In a deeply distressing case of maternal filicide, a 30-year-old woman in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, was sentenced to death for the intentional drowning of her three young sons. The conviction was largely based on the eyewitness account of her surviving eldest child, aged 8.
Incident Summary
On June 27, 2024, Priyanka, the mother of four children, allegedly drugged her sons and then threw them into the Sengur River near Devarpur village. The children, aged six, four, and 18 months, were rendered unconscious from the drug before being drowned one by one. The eldest son survived and later provided a crucial statement in court.
Residents who witnessed the incident managed to rescue the oldest child, who eventually regained consciousness and testified against his mother. The bodies of the other three children were recovered shortly after the incident.
Motivation and Background
Priyanka was living at her parental home after the sudden death of her husband, Avnish Kumar, who died of electrocution while she was pregnant with her youngest child. During this period, she entered a relationship with Ashish, her deceased husband’s nephew.
According to police investigations, Ashish had reportedly told Priyanka that he would only continue their relationship if she “got rid of the children.” This statement was identified as a motivating factor behind the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Testimonies
Priyanka and Ashish were arrested the following day after the incident. During the trial, the prosecution presented statements from seven key witnesses, including the surviving child and Priyanka’s brother-in-law.
The additional district and sessions judge, Saif Ahmed, concluded that the case met the legal threshold for a “rarest of rare” crime. The court noted that the killings were premeditated and carried out with deliberate cruelty.
Verdict and Sentencing
Priyanka was sentenced to death and fined ₹2.5 lakh. Her partner, Ashish, received a life sentence along with a ₹1 lakh fine. Judge Ahmed stated, “A woman who can kill her children does not have the right to live in society.”
Government counsel Abhishek Mishra emphasised the gravity of the crime, calling it a “horrifying act” that warranted the most severe punishment under the law.
Family and Community Reaction
Priyanka’s family expressed acceptance of the court’s decision. Her aunt commented, “She has been condemned for what she did. Ashish should have been hanged too.”
The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the mental and emotional toll of economic hardship and social isolation, especially for single mothers.
Conclusion
This case represents a tragic example of severe psychological breakdown and criminal manipulation leading to an irreversible loss of young lives. It highlights the importance of mental health support, family intervention, and community vigilance in preventing such outcomes.
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.
