Mystery shrouds death of Kovai girl, parents questioned

According to the police, the girl studying in Class V in a government school was admitted in Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition by her mother and stepfather on Saturday. She, however, died without responding to treatment on Sunday.

The girl’s parents had separated following family issues and she was living with her mother, the police said. Meanwhile, the woman allegedly developed an affair with a 34-year-old man and they began to stay together.

Three days ago, the girl fell critically ill, developing various complications. “She was brought to the hospital by her mother and stepfather, but she died,” the police said. The Peelamedu police registered a case upon suspicion.

The police have begun inquiries as a few residents in the deceased girl’s neighbourhood suspected foul play in her death. When questioned, the girl’s mother claimed that she and the girl’s stepfather assaulted her over her going out to play without informing them.

The police said the body of the girl has been sent for post-mortem and that the exact reason for her death would be known only after the results. Further investigations are on.