Shock in Tripura: Soldier Accused of Poisoning His Infant Daughter for Being a Girl

In a chilling incident that has shaken the state of Tripura, a jawan of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Rathidra Dev Verma, stands accused of poisoning and killing his own one-year-old daughter, Suhani, simply because she was a girl.

A Case That Challenges Humanity

The tragedy occurred in Behlabari, located in Tripura’s Khowai district. According to reports, the accused, who had taken a solemn oath to safeguard the country, became the very reason his daughter’s innocent life was cut short—all because of his desire for a son.

On Friday night, Suhani’s mother, Mitali Dev Verma, was visiting her sister’s house with her daughter. Rathidra, under the pretense of buying biscuits, took little Suhani out, accompanied by his nephew. After a short while, Suhani began vomiting, had severe diarrhea, and her breath smelled strongly of medicine. Alarmed, Mitali confronted Rathidra, who denied giving anything poisonous, but the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly.

Failed Rescue and Heartbreak

Suhani was first rushed to the local Khowai District Hospital and then referred to GB Hospital in Agartala. Tragically, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Mitali alleges that her husband had a history of verbally and physically abusing her because they only had daughters. The revelation of this ongoing domestic violence only deepens the horror of the incident.

Public Outrage and Police Action

When news spread and people recognized Rathidra at the hospital, angry crowds nearly turned violent, but police managed to escort him safely to the station. He has since been remanded in three-day police custody. Authorities are awaiting the autopsy report to confirm poisoning as the cause of death.

A Society’s Dark Reflection

This heart-wrenching crime is not merely an individual’s act—it exposes the enduring deep-rooted bias against girl children in society. Despite years of national campaigns like ‘Beti Bachao’, many girls remain unsafe even in their own homes. The desire for a male heir continues to fuel violence and discrimination.

Mitali, the grieving mother, says that nothing less than the death penalty would be justice for her daughter and for countless girls who still face similar threats.

A Cry for Change

The incident is a grim reminder that laws and slogans are not enough—society’s mindset must change to truly value and protect every daughter. What punishment do you think fits such a crime? Is backward thinking the real root of such tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments.