Wagholi Mother Stabs Son to Death, Attacks Daughter After Marital Dispute
In a shocking incident of domestic violence that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 29-year-old woman from Wagholi, Pune, allegedly stabbed her 11-year-old son to death and attempted to kill her 13-year-old daughter in their rented accommodation on Tuesday morning. The gruesome attack occurred around 9 am, following a heated argument with her husband, who works as a casual laborer.
Police Arrest Woman on Murder and Attempted Murder Charges
Senior Inspector Sarjerao Kumbhar of the Wagholi police confirmed that the woman, identified as Soni Santosh Jaybhay, has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder. Soni works in a departmental store, adding a layer of tragedy to the incident as she was a working mother. The deceased boy has been named as Sairaj, while the injured girl, Dhanashree, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Wagholi. Her condition is being closely monitored by medical professionals.
Family History and Immediate Aftermath of the Incident
The family had recently moved into a house on BAIF Road in Wagholi, having relocated there just about eight days prior to the tragic event. According to police reports, the incident unfolded shortly after Soni's husband, Santosh, left home in search of work. The couple had engaged in a bitter argument over multiple issues, including Santosh's persistent unemployment and his problematic drinking habits, which had been a source of ongoing tension in their household.
After Santosh departed, Soni allegedly retrieved a knife from the kitchen and launched a violent attack on her children. She first stabbed her son, Sairaj, and then slit his throat, resulting in fatal injuries. She then turned her aggression towards her daughter, Dhanashree, who managed to escape the assault. Dhanashree ran out of the house screaming for help, alerting residents of the society who quickly gathered outside the home and immediately contacted the police.
Police Intervention and Medical Outcomes
As the crowd assembled around the house, Soni retreated into the bathroom and locked herself inside. Police officers had to engage in persuasion to convince her to open the door, after which she was taken into custody. Both children were rushed to the hospital, where Sairaj was pronounced dead due to excessive bleeding from his wounds. The family's educational background reveals that the two children were pursuing their studies at a Zilla Parishad school, highlighting the disruption caused by this violent act.
Background of the Family and Underlying Issues
The family originally hails from Nanded district and had moved to Pune approximately ten years ago in search of better opportunities. However, their life in Pune has been marked by instability, largely due to Santosh's alcoholism. Senior Inspector Kumbhar noted that the couple and their children were forced to frequently change houses because of Santosh's drinking problems, which exacerbated the family's financial and emotional struggles. This pattern of displacement and stress may have contributed to the escalating tensions that culminated in Tuesday's horrific violence.
The incident underscores the severe consequences of domestic disputes and substance abuse, raising urgent questions about support systems for vulnerable families in urban areas like Pune. Authorities are continuing their investigation to understand the full context and ensure justice for the victims.
