Berhampur: In what comes as a major shock for the residents of Rambha area in Ganjam district, a woman of Badachakada village allegedly killed the child of her neighbour by feeding him seeds of Yellow Oleander. It is suspected that the accused woman did so over previous enmity.
Accused Damayanti Pradhan has been arrested after she confessed to the crime before Rambha police. The deceased child has been identified as Ayus Palai.
"We have registered a case under section 302 of IPC and arrested the accused after she confessed to the crime during interrogation," Rambha police IIC Namita said.
According to police, Damayanti had vowed to eliminate the family of the deceased over previous enmity. Ayus, who is the only son of his parents, was alone at home yesterday and taking advantage of his parents' absence, Damayanti fed him the poisonous seeds.
The child complained of vomiting and nausea following which he was rushed to the nearest Purusottampur Community Health Centre and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur after his condition deteriorated. However, he died while undergoing treatment.
Doctors cited that the child died due to consumption of poisonous substance.
"They (family of deceased) always beat me and torture me. I didn't know that the child would die," Damayanti said.