In Sultanpuri, Delhi, a man and his family have been arrested for allegedly killing and burying his newborn twin daughters. The police charge sheet says that Neeraj and his family were unhappy about having daughters and decided to let them die by not providing proper care.

After Pooja was discharged from the hospital in Rohtak, Neeraj, along with his parents, brother, and sister-in-law, took the twins, pretending they were going to visit Pooja's parents in Ismaila. However, they went to Sultanpuri, where the babies were allegedly killed and buried.

In August, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet accusing Neeraj Solanki (30), his brother Dinesh (32), his parents Vijender (60) and Chand Kaur (56), and Dinesh's wife Monika (37) of dowry harassment, infanticide, foeticide, and premeditated murder. The family is also charged with trying to cover up their crime by destroying evidence.

Pooja, who married Neeraj in February 2022, claims she was constantly harassed for dowry and pressured to have a son. She alleged that during her pregnancy, she was forced to undergo a sex determination test, which she refused. The police investigation revealed that Neeraj and his family never intended to provide proper care to the newborn twins. The babies were denied medical attention, which ultimately led to their deaths.

Still living in a patriarchal society?

This case brings attention to the ongoing challenge of accepting girl children in a society where traditional and patriarchal values still play a major role. In many families, there are still people who believe that only sons can carry on the family name and traditions, making daughters seem less valuable.

Tragically, some people even think it's acceptable to harm girls. Pooja's experiences and the actions of her husband's family show just how deeply ingrained these harmful beliefs are. It's heartbreaking that some people still don't recognise the true value of a daughter. This case reminds us of the urgent need to change how girls are viewed in society and to put an end to gender bias.