Woman, 2 kids consume poison 17 days after husband’s death

Bokaro: A 40-year-old woman allegedly consumed poison along with her 15-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son on May 27 at Tuktuko village in the district, just 17 days after her husband’s death, police said.

While the two children of Dineshwari Devi died during treatment on May 28 and 29, the woman remains critical at Rims in Ranchi. Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the incident.

Bagodar DSP, Dhananjay Ram, said that police will lodge a complaint after they get a statement from Dineshwari.

Sources said the woman first administered pesticide tablets in a glucose solution to her children before consuming it herself. Locals rushed the trio to Bagodar Trauma Centre. Following initial treatment, they were referred to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag.

During treatment, daughter Priyanka Kumari died on May 28, while son, Prince Kumar, passed away a day later. Their bodies were brought back to the village on Saturday evening after post-mortem examination.

Family members said Dineshwari’s husband, Chandradeep Mahto, worked for an outsourcing coal company in Tandwa. He fell ill and died during treatment on May 10. Preliminary reports suggest the woman may have been under severe mental stress following his death.