A 39-year-old lady, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a start-up company, allegedly murdered her 4-year-old kid in Goa and then fled to the next state of Karnataka with the child's body. 

Why on Earth Someone would kill their own child? 

Filicide, or the death of a kid by a parent, is a regular tragedy. According to research funded by the National Institute of Health, around 15% of homicide arrests over a 32-year period were filicidal in nature.

Adults who murder children are motivated by five factors, according to research. Parents in the Altruistic group feel they killed their child to relieve real or imagined pain. Those who are killed for illogical reasons are classified as Acutely Psychotic. The Unwanted Child group sees their child as a burden. The Fatal Maltreatment category includes parents whose children died as a result of neglect or abuse.

Finally, the Spousal Revenge category is reserved for parents who kill a kid to exact revenge on a spouse or partner.

Women typically kill their newborns for altruistic and/or insane motives. Mothers who kill their newborns are typically seen sympathetically by jurors, who attribute such actions to a mental condition or hormonal reasons.

Factors working against the insanity defense

One of the most significant aspects of filicide instances to grasp is how much relies on the population investigated. Mothers and fathers who murder their child and are then imprisoned have distinct traits from those who commit themselves or are treated in a forensic facility.

Filicide situations are frequently far more complicated than they appear. As part of my job, I interview the parents following the homicide to learn about their life, their child's life, their mental health, and any substance usage. Police reports and evidence are frequently critical. Interviews, especially near the time of the killing, can be quite beneficial. Records from obstetrics, pediatrics, and child protective services can help. Any mental health records from before — and immediately after — the homicide can provide useful information about the parent's mental condition.

Coming to Suchana Seth’s case, I think it’s more of a partner's revenge. She kills her child to inflict emotional harm on a spouse (or ex). This may happen in a custody dispute. 

Criminologists play a crucial role in untangling the complexities of filicide cases. Interviews with parents, examinations of their lives, mental health, and substance use, along with the analysis of police reports and evidence, contribute to a comprehensive understanding. Records from obstetrics, pediatrics, and child protective services, along with mental health records before and after the incident, provide valuable insights into the parent's mental condition.

The impact on society extends beyond individual cases, prompting a collective reflection on family dynamics, mental health support, and preventive measures. As communities grapple with the repercussions of such crimes, criminology plays a vital role in shaping interventions, policies, and public awareness to minimize the occurrence of filicide and protect the well-being of families. In Suchana Seth's case, the suggestion of partner's revenge adds another layer to the intricate dynamics, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding to develop effective preventive strategies and support systems.