Tripura Shocked: Jawan Poisons Infant Daughter After Allegedly Wanting a Son

Tripura Shocked: Jawan Poisons Infant Daughter After Allegedly Wanting a Son

In a deeply disturbing incident, a paramilitary jawan in Tripura has been accused of poisoning his one-year-old daughter, reportedly because he wanted a son instead. The shocking case has sparked widespread outrage, raising concerns over gender bias and violence against children.

According to police, the accused—posted with a central security force—was on leave at his native village in Sepahijala district when the incident occurred. Preliminary investigations suggest that he allegedly mixed poison in the child’s food. The infant’s mother, noticing her daughter’s sudden discomfort, rushed her to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her brought dead.

Accused in Custody

Local authorities confirmed that the father has been taken into custody and charged with murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Officials said they are also probing whether there were any prior instances of domestic abuse or threats toward the child.

“The initial motive appears to be rooted in the accused’s dissatisfaction over not having a male child,” said a senior police officer, adding that the case reflects the urgent need to address deep-seated gender prejudice still prevalent in parts of the country.

Community in Shock

Residents of the village expressed disbelief over the incident, describing the accused as someone who had never previously shown signs of violent behavior. However, some neighbors admitted there had been frequent arguments in the household over the issue of wanting a male heir.

Child rights activists have condemned the act, calling for fast-track trial and stronger community awareness programs to challenge patriarchal mindsets that lead to such tragedies.

Gender Bias in Focus

India continues to grapple with skewed gender ratios in certain regions, despite laws banning sex-selective abortions and campaigns promoting the value of the girl child. Experts say the problem persists due to entrenched cultural beliefs, particularly in rural areas, where a son is often seen as a carrier of the family name and an economic asset.

Authorities have assured that the case will be pursued with urgency, and counseling support will be provided to the grieving mother. The tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the destructive consequences of gender-based discrimination, underscoring the need for both legal and social reforms.