A Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan, Rathindra Debbarma, has been detained and is under investigation for allegedly poisoning his infant daughter in a horrific incident in Tripura's Khowai district. The mother of the deceased child has made a heart-wrenching accusation, stating that her husband intentionally killed their one-year-old daughter because he did not want a second girl.
The incident occurred late on Friday in the Tulashikhar area. According to reports, Rathindra Debbarma, who was posted at the 10th Battalion headquarters in Khumulwng, took the baby girl out of their home and administered a poisoned liquid, allegedly a cold drink laced with poison. Soon after, the child began vomiting and was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala. Despite medical efforts, the infant was declared dead upon arrival.
The mother's statement reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse and a deep-seated aversion to female children. She alleged that Rathindra had subjected her to prolonged mental and physical abuse since the baby's birth, as he had always wanted a son. She also claimed that her sister witnessed the act of poisoning and immediately informed her, but by the time she reached Agartala, her daughter had already passed away. In her anguish, the wife is demanding the death penalty for her husband.
News of the incident quickly spread, and upon learning of Rathindra's presence at GB Pant Hospital, enraged locals confronted him. Police intervened to prevent an attack and took him into custody for questioning at Champahour police station. Authorities have confirmed that a formal case will be registered after the initial investigation is complete, and the accused will be arrested. A senior police officer stated that they are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage and condemnation, with many denouncing the killing of an innocent child and expressing concerns about female infanticide and gender-based violence. The community is demanding justice for the young victim, and the police investigation is ongoing.
