Faridabad (Sainik Colony), May 13: A 35-year-old woman allegedly threw her two-year-old son into the Agra canal from the BPTP bridge on Sunday evening, reportedly under the influence of a self-proclaimed Tantrik who had convinced her that the child was born of a “white jinn” and would destroy the family.
The child, identified as Tanmay alias Ronik, remained missing as of Monday evening, with search operations by police, fire officials, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local divers continuing for a second consecutive day.
The mother, Megha Lukra, and the Tantrik, identified as Mita Bhatia, are currently in police custody. An FIR has been filed at BPTP police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
“She became mentally disturbed”
According to the complaint filed by Megha’s husband, Kapil Lukra, the couple had been married for 16 years and lived in Faridabad’s Sainik Colony with their daughter Manya, 14, and son Tanmay.
Kapil alleged that Megha had been consulting Bhatia for an extended period. “The Tantrik used to tell Megha our son was born of a white jinn and would bring ruin to the family. Megha became mentally disturbed as a result,” he said.
On Sunday, around 5 p.m., Megha reportedly left the house with Tanmay without informing anyone. When Kapil noticed their absence, he began searching for them.
Around 9 p.m., police contacted him to say that Megha had been detained on suspicion of throwing her son into the canal.
“I rushed to the BPTP police station and was shocked to see Megha there. I couldn’t believe what had happened,” Kapil said.
Eyewitnesses raise alarm
Passersby on the BPTP bridge witnessed the incident and attempted to intervene. According to police, Megha was seen standing on the bridge holding her son before she threw him into the canal.
Though onlookers raised an alarm and dialed 112, the act had already been carried out by the time help arrived. She was apprehended immediately and handed over to the police.
Inspector Arvind Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of BPTP police station, confirmed that a case had been registered. “Both Megha Lukra and Mita Bhatia are being questioned. Rescue teams from police, fire services, and SDRF are continuing the search for the child,” he said.
As the search extended into Monday evening, authorities said operations would continue until further notice.
