Woman stabs 18-month-old daughter to death after argument with husband, held

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A 30-year-old woman was arrested in Latur late on Monday night after she allegedly stabbed her 18-month-old daughter to death earlier in the day following a heated argument with her husband.The Latur MIDC police arrested Ashwini Chougule on charges of murder after a complaint was filed by her husband, Vikram Jagannath Chougule (34), a daily wage worker. The couple had an argument after Ashwini insisted that her husband return home early from work," Latur superintendent of police Amol Tambe said.The Chougule family originally hailed from Hasegaon village in Kalamb taluka of Dharashiv district and was residing in a rented accommodation at Shyam Nagar near Manjara Gate in Latur city. "Neighbours heard loud screams coming from the couple's house around 5am on Monday. Alarmed residents rushed to the spot and repeatedly knocked on the door, but received no response from inside," MIDC police inspector Samadhan Chavare said.The concerned neighbours then informed Ashwini's husband, who works as a tractor driver and had gone to Kalamb to deliver sugar cane. Vikram immediately returned to Latur and reached the house around 10am. "When Vikram called out to his wife after reaching home, she opened the door and confessed to stabbing their daughter multiple times," Chavare said.Police investigations revealed that Ashwini allegedly attacked her minor daughter, Nandini, using a kitchen knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds on different parts of the child's body. The toddler was rushed for medical treatment but succumbed to her injuries during treatment.A team from the MIDC police station visited the spot and carried out a spot panchnama, while an inquest panchnama of the body was also conducted. The accused was arrested and the knife allegedly used in the crime was seized.A case has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the investigation is being carried out in a scientific and evidence-based manner, and further probe is underway by PSI Shrikant More.Police officials stated that the accused would face strict legal action and appealed to citizens to avoid violence during family disputes, urging those facing domestic or mental stress to seek counselling or legal assistance. Authorities reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order and ensuring justice for innocent victims.