Thrissur Infant Deaths: Police Suspect Murder in Second Case, Couple in Custody

Thrissur: Police have confirmed suspected foul play in the death of a second infant born to a couple in Pookode, Thrissur, after disturbing details emerged during the investigation. While the death of the first infant is believed to be accidental, the second is now being treated as a case of murder. Both parents, Bhavin and Aneesha, are currently in police custody.

According to Rural SP B Balakrishnan, preliminary investigations and a confession from the mother, Aneesha, suggest that she killed the second child shortly after birth. The child was reportedly suffocated to death because Aneesha feared the baby's cries would alert neighbours.

In contrast, the first child, born on November 6, 2021, is believed to have died inside the womb due to the umbilical cord wrapping around its neck. Aneesha gave birth at home, in her bathroom, and later buried the infant in the premises of her house. When Bhavin was informed, he asked Aneesha to perform the last rites. She reportedly collected the infant’s remains and handed them over to him.

Police revealed that Bhavin preserved the skeletons of both infants, allegedly to use them to blackmail Aneesha in case she attempted to leave the relationship. Despite Aneesha requesting proper last rites, Bhavin stored the skeletal remains in a handbag at his residence.

The case came to light when Bhavin arrived at the police station early one morning and confessed that he had the remains of his two children. Forensic experts confirmed that the skeletons belonged to infants and have sent them for further examination, including DNA testing.

The couple met on Facebook and developed a relationship that resulted in the birth of two children. The second child was born in April 2024. According to police, Aneesha admitted to killing the newborn out of fear of exposure and buried the body shortly after. The remains were later exhumed, allegedly for last rites, but were again retained by Bhavin.

Police had initially suspected that the second infant’s death was not natural. Though Aneesha had claimed earlier that the baby had died after birth, her statement was not accepted at face value. With further investigation and her eventual confession, the case has now been escalated as a suspected murder.

Further forensic and DNA analysis is underway as the investigation continues.