Bengaluru Techie Dies by Suicide Minutes After Infant’s Accidental Drowning at Home

The incident took place when Pratibha, a software professional, was at home with her child while her husband, Mahantesh, was at work. At one point, Pratibha went to the terrace to collect her dry clothes. During this time, the child, identified as Agastya, is believed to have crawled into the washing area and accidentally fallen into a water-filled bucket.

When Pratibha returned, she found her child dead in the bucket.

Grieved over her child's death, Pratibha slit her wrist, consumed a few pills, and hanged herself to death, officials said. Later that evening, around 6:30 pm, when Mahantesh returned home, he found the door locked from the inside. Using their spare key, he entered the house and found his wife and child dead.

A suicide note written by Pratibha was found, along with an empty strip of 15 tablets, the police said. In the note, the techie stated that she was "responsible" for her child's death, explaining that the incident occurred while she had briefly gone to the terrace, police added. The note mentioned that the woman first attempted to die by suicide by consuming tablets and slitting her wrists, but eventually resorted to hanging.

A case has been filed, and further investigation is underway, cops said. Police said that the family had been living in the rented flat for the past four years.

The incident has drawn attention to the devastating psychological impact of sudden personal loss. Helplines remain available for those in distress, including Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health at 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com, and TISS iCall at 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm). If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.