‘Couldn’t Live With Guilt’: Techie Dies by Suicide After 11-Month-Old Son Accidentally Drowns in Bucket in Bengaluru
A domestic tragedy in West Bengaluru has claimed the lives of a 29-year-old software professional and her 11-month-old son. Police reported on Wednesday that Pratibha Wali died by suicide shortly after her infant son, Agasthya, accidentally drowned in a bucket of water at their residence in Byraveshwaranagar.
An eleven-month-old boy died after accidentally drowning in a bucket of water, and his mother later died by suicide at their home in Byraveshwaranagar in west Bengaluru on Wednesday, police said. The incident came to light in the evening when the woman’s husband returned from work and found both unresponsive. The deceased infant has been identified as Agasthya Wali. His mother, Pratibha (29), was a software professional working from home, while her husband, Mahantesh Wali, is also a software engineer.
According to preliminary police findings, Pratibha had briefly gone to the terrace to collect dried clothes, leaving the child alone in the house. During this time, the infant is believed to have entered the bathroom and accidentally fallen into a bucket filled with water. Investigators said the child drowned before help could arrive. Bengaluru Family Mass Suicide Attempt: 2 Dead as Man Slits Throats of Mother, Sister, and Nephew.
Mother Dies by Suicide After Infant Drowns in Bucket in Bengaluru
Mother’s Distress and Suicide Note
Police said Pratibha was deeply distressed after discovering the incident and reportedly blamed herself for her son’s death. A note recovered from the scene indicated that she felt responsible and was unable to cope with the guilt. Investigators said she initially attempted suicide by consuming tablets and injuring her wrist. When that did not succeed, she later died by hanging herself using a saree. An empty strip of tablets and the handwritten note were found near the infant.
Husband Discovers Incident
According to Mahantesh Wali’s complaint, he returned home around 6.30 pm but received no response despite repeated knocking and phone calls. He then accessed a spare key through a window to unlock the door. Inside, he found his wife hanging and the child lying lifeless on the bed. Police were subsequently alerted. Bengaluru Shocker: Man Brutally Murders Live-In Partner After Heated Argument, Attempts To Pass It Off As Suicide.
Investigation Underway
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Chandra Layout police station. Police said further investigation is ongoing to establish the sequence of events and confirm details based on forensic and post-mortem reports.
Safety and Awareness
Incidents involving accidental drowning in household containers, particularly among infants and toddlers, are not uncommon. Experts advise constant supervision of young children and ensuring that water containers are kept covered or emptied when not in use. Authorities also emphasise the importance of mental health support for individuals coping with trauma and grief.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).