9-month-old among 3 sisters dead after eating baingan; cops probe hurried burial

Three minor sisters, including a nine-month-old infant, died in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district after reportedly eating baingan bharta (mashed brinjal) and roti, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The case came to light after authorities learnt that the family had buried the bodies without informing police or arranging post-mortem examinations.The victims have been identified as 7-year-old Poonam, 3-year-old Manisha and 9-month-old Chahat, daughters of Balmukund Kushwaha of Pipora Khurd village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhattarpur district.According to police, the girls consumed the meal before their deaths. The circumstances raised concerns among investigators, particularly over the death of the infant, as such a small child is not able to eat curry and roti and is normally fed soft and liquid food.The fact that the bodies were buried without a medical examination or police intervention also raised serious doubts. Also, the questions arose as to why the girls belonging to the Hindu community were buried and not cremated. Following the information, a police team visited the village and inspected the burial site. Family members were also taken along during the investigation as officials began examining the sequence of events.Police are now initiating the process of exhuming the bodies for post-mortem examinations. The reports are expected to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether the deaths were linked to food poisoning, an illness or another factor. Further investigation is underway, police said.- EndsInputs by LokeshPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 17:15 IST