Surat Tragedy: Mother, 4-Month-Old Son Die After Acid Consumption

Surat | Gujarat — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Surat’s Sarthana area after a 29-year-old woman and her four-month-old son lost their lives in an incident that police suspect may be linked to severe mental distress following childbirth.

The incident occurred at Avon Heights near Yogi Chowk, where Dhara Kotdiya, a young mother who had given birth just four months ago, allegedly administered acid to her infant son before consuming it herself. Both were rushed to a hospital by family members and local residents, but doctors were unable to save them.

According to family members, Dhara, originally from Dhari in Amreli district, had been staying at her parental home after delivery. She had married around one and a half years ago and welcomed her son, Rishan, four months ago. While the family initially celebrated the birth of the child, relatives say her mental health began deteriorating after delivery.

“She had been undergoing treatment and taking medication for mental health issues. In the last few days, she had stopped eating and appeared deeply distressed,” a family source said.

Police said the incident took place on Monday evening when Dhara reportedly took her infant son to the ground floor of the residential complex. Investigators believe she consumed the corrosive substance after allegedly giving it to the child.

“The exact sequence of events and motive are being verified. An accidental death case has been registered and further investigation is underway,” a police official said.

The deaths have left the family devastated and shocked residents of the locality. Emotional scenes unfolded at the hospital as relatives gathered after learning of the tragedy.

Authorities are now examining whether postpartum depression or another underlying mental health condition contributed to the incident. Officials have urged families to seek timely medical support when new mothers show signs of severe emotional distress.