Police in Maharashtra&rsquo;s Navi Mumbai have arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly killing her six-year-old daughter, with investigators pointing to a preference for a male child as the primary motive.
According to officials, the woman, a Bachelor of Science graduate, lives in Kalamboli with her husband, who works as an IT professional. She was reportedly undergoing treatment for depression at the time of the incident.
Police said the woman was distressed over her daughter&rsquo;s speech development and was upset that the child spoke only Hindi and not Marathi. Investigators believe these factors, combined with her desire for a son, led to the crime.
The incident came to light on December 23 when the woman took her daughter to a hospital, claiming the child had suddenly become unresponsive due to health issues. Doctors declared the girl dead and informed the police, following which an accidental death case was initially registered.
However, a post-mortem examination later revealed that the cause of death was suffocation. Based on the medical findings and subsequent questioning, the police registered a murder case.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to killing her daughter, citing dissatisfaction with the child&rsquo;s speech abilities and her desire to have a male child. A local court has remanded the woman to police custody until December 30, while further investigation is underway.

Navi Mumbai child murder case (Representative Image)

Police say preference for a son and distress over speech led to the crime

Navi Mumbai Woman Arrested for Daughter’s Murder

Police say preference for a son and distress over speech led to the crime

December 28, 2025 | 10:10 IST