Rethinking Maternal Violence in Modern India

Understanding the Motivations Behind Filicide

Filicide, the act of a parent killing their child, can arise from varied psychological motives including altruistic intent (believing death is merciful), acute psychosis, fatal maltreatment, unwanted child, or spouse revenge.​ Revenge filicide specifically involves murdering a child to inflict emotional pain on the other parent, often motivated by bitterness and custody disputes.​ Different profiles exist: some cases involve impulsive acts linked to psychosis, others involve prolonged contemplation and calculated planning.​

The Bengaluru CEO Case: A Summary

• Suchana Seth, an AI startup CEO in Bengaluru, allegedly killed her four-year-old son in Goa, reportedly motivated by revenge against the father due to a contentious divorce and custody battle.​

• Evidence suggests the act was deliberate and premeditated rather than impulsive or from acute mental illness like depression or psychosis.

• Court orders gave custody to the mother but allowed the father visitation rights, which the mother reportedly obstructed, weaponizing her son in this conflict.​

Mental Health Considerations in Maternal Filicide

• Many maternal filicide cases involve mothers with untreated or severe psychiatric illnesses such as postpartum depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or personality disorders.​

• Filicidal mothers often have histories of depression, suicidal ideation, and sometimes command hallucinations leading to psychotic filicide.​

• Social isolation, lack of support, and stressful family circumstances commonly exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities.​

The Role of Parental Alienation and Custody Conflicts

• Parental alienation involves one parent undermining the child's relationship with the other parent, often during high-conflict separations or divorces.​

• It is frequently associated with emotional abuse and can escalate to tragic acts when combined with mental illness or intense revenge motives.​

• The legal framework in India acknowledges parental alienation but enforcement remains inconsistent, aggravating familial tensions.​

Recommendations for Mental Health Support and Prevention

• Routine mental health screening for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum can identify depression, psychosis, and suicide risk early.​

• Therapist-led support groups and counseling for divorced or separated parents help mitigate emotional distress and reduce risk behaviors.​

• Legal and social systems must improve enforcement of custody and visitation arrangements to prevent children’s exploitation in parental conflicts.​

• A multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatry, social work, and legal oversight is crucial to protect children and support parents’ mental well-being.