The body of the six-year-old girl who was allegedly smothered by her stepmother was buried following funeral ceremonies at Nellimuttam Juma Masjid on Saturday (December 21) around 11 a.m.
She was reportedly found dead at her home at Kuttilanji Puthupalam in Pazoormolam ward of Nellikuzhy panchayat near Kothamangalam on Thursday morning. Her stepmother Aneesha, 23, originally from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on charge of murder on the same evening.
The body was handed over to the deceased’s father, Ajas Khan. Though taken into custody along with his wife, he was later released as police reportedly found no evidence of his involvement in the alleged murder.
Khan told the media on Saturday that it was Aneesha who had screamed that the child was not waking up, and he never doubted her, despite her occasional anger towards the child. He added that he had reportedly warned her not to harm the child after neighbours informed him she used to beat the child.
Khan said he would have relocated the child if his wife disliked her. When asked about consulting local “sorcerer” Naushad with his wife, he explained it was reportedly due to issues she faced after her first miscarriage. Aneesha, who is pregnant, also has a daughter from her first marriage.
According to the police, Aneesha felt insecure about Khan’s estranged wife staying in contact with him to ask about their daughter. They reportedly struggled to get a confession from her, as she allegedly pretended to be “possessed” and blamed an “evil spirit” for her actions.
Meanwhile, the police on Saturday arrested Naushad, 56, of Nellikuzhy. He was initially booked under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act on Friday.
Published – December 21, 2024 10:38 pm IST
