A 25-year-old man in Ahmedabad smothered his five-month-old daughter with his bare hands outside the Shardaben Hospital in Saraspur while his wife was undergoing a sonography. According to the police, the man was unhappy with his wife for not helping him with his scrap business and suspected that the child was not his. The couple had a daughter in September 2023, and the man often threatened to kill the child. The wife had previously approached the police after the man attempted to smother the child when she was just two months old. However, she later reached a compromise with her husband and did not file an FIR. The accused has now been charged with murder.

This horrifying incident highlights the alarming issue of domestic violence and the need for better interventions and support for victims. It is important that cases of domestic violence are taken seriously, and victims are provided with the necessary assistance and protection. In this case, the accused’s anger towards his wife and the child demonstrates the deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset and the value placed on male children in certain communities. It is crucial that society works towards challenging these harmful beliefs and promoting gender equality.

Furthermore, the incident emphasizes the importance of establishing a support system for victims of domestic violence. Many victims often face threats, intimidation, and fear that prevent them from seeking help or reporting the abuse. It is crucial that survivors are provided with safe spaces, counseling services, and legal aid to empower them and ensure their safety.

Additionally, this tragedy highlights the need for stricter implementation of laws and regulations related to domestic violence. It is necessary for authorities to take immediate action upon receiving complaints and ensure that perpetrators of domestic violence are held accountable for their actions. Only through a comprehensive approach that includes awareness, prevention, support, and legal measures can we effectively address the issue of domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals within our society.

It is our collective responsibility to support and advocate for victims of domestic violence, and to work towards creating a society where such heinous acts are not tolerated.