Woman dies by suicide after fight with hubby over power dues in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: A woman died by suicide in Guna following an argument with her husband over unpaid electricity bills of Rs 1 lakh. It was alleged that she tried killing her infant by stuffing cotton into her nose and mouth before taking the extreme step.

The child, just 10 months old, was admitted to the district hospital in a critical condition.

The incident was reported from the Cantt police station area of Guna. The deceased mother was identified as 26-year-old Kirti Kushwah, a resident of Nanakhedi. She was married to Nitish, also from the same area.

According to family members, Kirti offered morning prayers on the day of the incident and stayed indoors, thereafter, with her infant while the others stepped out.

While alone, she allegedly attempted to choke her baby to death before taking her own life. Alert neighbours rushed both the mother and the baby to the district hospital, where the former was declared dead.

Family members said the couple would fight frequently over power dues. Electricity supply to their house was disconnected over non-clearance of bills, leading to repeated arguments.

A fresh quarrel had broken out over the unpaid electricity bills a day before the incident, the kin revealed.

Kirti had reportedly asked her husband to clear the bills, while the latter got in touch with his in-laws asking them to intervene in the matter.

Meanwhile, Kirti's mother alleged that her daughter was being harassed and physically abused by her in-laws, eventually forcing her to take the extreme step.

An investigation was launched on a complaint lodged by the woman's family.