A 28-year-old man has been arrested in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district after his infant daughter was allegedly found dead inside an underground water sump at the family’s home, police said on Thursday. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death and are also probing whether alleged gender bias played a role in the incident.

The accused, identified by police as M Imran, was taken into custody following a preliminary investigation into the death of the newborn. Police said the infant was less than two weeks old and was the couple’s second child.

According to investigators, the incident came to light after the baby’s mother woke up and discovered that her daughter was missing. She reportedly questioned her husband about the child’s whereabouts, but he allegedly claimed that he did not know where the infant was. Family members then joined the search for the missing baby.

The search reportedly continued inside the house and its premises before relatives began to suspect that the child could have fallen or been placed inside the underground water storage sump. The family eventually drained the water from the sump, where they discovered the infant’s body. Police were subsequently informed about the discovery.

Officers from the Chikkaballapur Town Police Station reached the residence and began an investigation. The infant’s body was recovered and sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the formal investigation into the cause and circumstances of death.

Police said suspicion turned towards the child’s father during the preliminary inquiry. Investigators said evidence gathered during the initial probe, along with the accused’s statements, led to his detention. A murder case has been registered, and authorities are investigating the incident from multiple angles.

Chikkaballapur Town Circle Inspector Ranjan Kumar said the police received information about the death of a newborn and immediately reached the location. The officer said investigators conducted an initial inquiry and subsequently took the father into custody after suspicion emerged against him.

The investigation is also focusing on the circumstances within the family before and after the baby’s death. Police are questioning relatives and neighbours to determine whether there were any previous disputes or tensions in the household that could be connected to the incident.

Investigators are particularly examining allegations that the accused had expected his second child to be a boy and was unhappy after the birth of a daughter. Police are trying to establish whether the child’s gender was a factor in the alleged crime. However, the investigation is still underway, and the motive has not yet been conclusively established.

The case has also raised concerns about the continuing impact of gender-based discrimination and preference for male children. Authorities are examining whether such attitudes may have contributed to the alleged incident, while also gathering evidence needed to establish the exact sequence of events.

The discovery of the infant’s body inside the water sump followed a search by family members after the baby was reported missing from the house. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the alleged actions of the father and the events leading to the child’s death are now central to the police investigation.

The post-mortem examination is expected to provide important forensic evidence that could assist investigators in determining the cause of death. Police are also expected to examine statements from family members and other witnesses as they work to reconstruct the events that took place inside the home.

The accused remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have said they are looking into all aspects of the case before drawing final conclusions about the motive and circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.

The incident has shocked the local community and brought renewed attention to the serious consequences of gender discrimination against girls. While the criminal investigation will determine individual responsibility and establish the facts of the case, the allegations have once again highlighted concerns over social attitudes that place greater value on male children than female children.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further details are expected to emerge as forensic findings, witness statements and other evidence are examined.