Krishnagiri: Police have arrested a woman and her lesbian partner for allegedly murdering the former's six-month-old baby, days after the infant’s father raised suspicions that the child may not have died of natural causes.

The baby was initially believed to have died while being breastfed earlier this month in Krishnagiri district. At the time, police registered a case of unnatural death but did not order a post-mortem examination. The child was subsequently buried on the family’s agricultural land.

A few days later, the child’s father approached authorities, claiming to have discovered messages, photographs and videos revealing a relationship between his wife and another woman. He told investigators that he suspected the baby may have been harmed due to pressure or tensions linked to the relationship.

Acting on his complaint, police exhumed the body earlier this week and ordered a post-mortem. Forensic findings indicated that the infant had been smothered and strangled.

During questioning, the woman allegedly told officers that she did not want her husband’s child and that he had failed to take care of her.

Police have arrested both women and charged them with murder. Further investigation is under way.