A domestic dispute in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga district took a tragic turn on Sunday morning after a mother allegedly attempted to kill her eleven-month-old daughter by forcing weedkiller into her mouth. Police have taken thirty-year-old Sonia Khatun into custody in connection with the incident, which occurred in the Edgahpara area of Mrigmari village.
The victim, an infant girl named Anika Khatun, was initially rushed to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition. As her health deteriorated rapidly, attending medical staff advised an immediate transfer to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, where she remains under intensive medical care.
According to local residents and family members, the horrifying incident stemmed from a bitter altercation between Sonia Khatun and her husband, thirty-five-year-old Alamin. Witnesses stated that the quarrel began early in the morning whilst Alamin was preparing to leave home for work. The confrontation escalated quickly into physical violence, with both spouses reportedly striking each other with sticks.
Shortly after Alamin left the homestead following the clash, Sonia Khatun allegedly retrieved a bottle of agricultural weedkiller stored in the house and poured the toxic substance into the mouth of her sleeping infant. The child’s paternal grandmother discovered the act and attempted to intervene, but was reportedly pushed aside and injured during the struggle.
Family members alerted by the commotion managed to rescue the baby and transport her to the local health complex. Medical officers administered emergency preliminary treatment before referring the infant to the district’s primary secondary care facility due to the severe nature of chemical poisoning in such a young patient.
Officer-in-Charge of Jibannagar Police Station, Sulaiman Sheikh, confirmed the arrest and noted that law enforcement officers reacted swiftly to secure the scene. Police officers took Sonia Khatun into custody shortly after the incident was reported. Investigators are gathering evidence, recording statements from relatives and neighbours, and preparing formal legal proceedings against the accused mother. Hospital authorities at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital continue to monitor the infant’s condition closely.
