Mumbai: Mentally Unstable Mother Commits Alleged Murder-Suicide Attempt in Borivali

Mumbai, 18th February 2024: In Borivli, Mumbai, a 46-year-old mentally ill woman allegedly murdered her 11-year-old daughter and attempted suicide in their rented flat on Thursday evening. The family, comprising the woman, her 36-year-old husband, and their daughter, operated a salon and lived a seemingly ordinary life.

Upon returning home, the husband discovered the locked door to their room. Upon knocking, the daughter informed him that her mother prevented her from opening the door. Alarmed, the husband heard a scream and observed blood when attempting to assess the situation through his phone. He immediately contacted the police, who arrived, broke open the door, and discovered the lifeless body of the girl and the injured mother.

Both the mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital, where the girl was declared dead. The woman survived her suicide attempt and is currently hospitalised. Authorities plan to arrest her upon discharge.

The woman had a decade-long history of sporadic psychiatric treatment but had recently discontinued her prescribed medications. Before the incident, she had attacked her husband, causing injury to his throat. On a separate occasion, she had left home with their daughter, prompting the husband to intervene and bring them back.

Despite the family’s active participation in the community, with the daughter showcasing her artistic talents at cultural events, the woman’s mental health struggles persisted. The daughter’s attempts to encourage her mother to resume medication were unsuccessful.

A diary belonging to the girl was found by the police, providing insight into her routine and documenting joyful moments spent with family and friends. The diary reflects the stark contrast between the normalcy of their external lives and the reality that unfolded within the family.