Police have arrested a woman and her live-in partner after they found that a 5-year-old was allegedly smothered and beaten to death. The boy was reportedly killed by his mother's live-in partner at their rented house in Kamareddy town on Friday.
The boy identified as Saravanan was killed at around 4:30 pm on Friday at their house in Srinagar colony hide his mother, Laxmi, was away. His older sister, aged 8, was present during the incident.
According to the 8-year-old girl who was the sole eyewitness, Laxminarasimhulu, a labourer who lived with Laxmi, came to the house and attacked the boy.
Police said that the two planned to eliminate the child who reportedly had health issues.
They had also planned to send the 8-year-old to live with her grandmother so that they would clear the way for the marriage. Kamaareddy, additional SP B Chaianya Reddy said.
Thee boy was taken to the Government hospital by the accused where he claimed that he found the boy unconscious at home. He was declared dead.
Sameera told the relatives that the accused had slapped the boy, poured chilli powder into his eyes and smothered him by closing his mouth and throwing him.
He also reportedly took him to the bathroom to pour water on him.
Sameera also told investigators that she was forced to clean the scene.
Laxmi’s husband had abandoned the family after Shravan was born five years ago. She had then moved to stay with her father in Rajampet village. She worked as a sweeper at a local bus stand.