Mumbai: Nearly two weeks after Monika Vinayak Mali poisoned her son to death before committing suicide, police say the 30-year-old was depressed that her son Vihan, 3, had been born with one kidney.
PSI Kashinath Mane, Uran police station, said, “Monika, a B.Tech degree holder, had undergone an appendix operation a few months ago but continued to be troubled by ill-health, and Vihan’s frequent hospitalisation added to her depression.”
Police said Monika had waited till her husband, Vinayak, was away in Pune to meet his brother before ending her and Vihan’s lives. The Malis had been married for five years. Vinayak is an engineer employed with the Gas Turbine Power Station (GTPS) at Uran, and stayed in quarters provided by GTPS in Uran.
Police said after consuming poison that day, Monika appeared to have realised she had made a mistake, and begged her neighbours to save their lives, who took them to the civic hospital in Vashi. They also called Vinayak, who shifted them to a private hospital on returning to the city. However, they died two days later.
They said the reason behind Monika’s tragic decision was known when Vinayak’s statement was recorded. After the incident, the family had been in Kolhapur for the final rites. “We found a suicide note by Monika, which said no one was responsible for her death but didn’t specify the reason,” Mr. Mane said.
Her parents have told police over phone from Kolhapur that they don’t wish to press charges against anyone in the case. “Monika was their only child. They are still in shock, but said they will give us their statement soon. No foul play is suspected. There was no marital discord either. The health issues had created a negative atmosphere at home, leading to depression,” he added.