Suchana Seth, the 39-year-old CEO and founder of Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence start-up Mindful AI Lab, has been apprehended in Karnataka’s Chitradurga after allegedly murdering her four-year-old son during their stay at a north Goa hotel. The arrest follows a sequence of events involving bloodstains, observant hotel staff, and a resourceful taxi driver.
Ms. Seth, accompanied by her son, checked into Sol Banyan Grande in Candolim on January 6. However, on January 8, she left the hotel alone, carrying a large bag that later revealed her son’s lifeless body. Hotel staff discovered bloodstains in the room during cleaning, prompting them to alert the Goa police.
Despite being advised to take a flight to Bengaluru, Ms. Seth insisted on a taxi for the approximately 600 km journey. The hotel staff, recognizing the urgency, called for a taxi, leading to the involvement of a quick-thinking cab driver.
Upon reaching Chitradurga, approximately 200 km from Bengaluru, the police discreetly approached the cab driver in Konkani, attempting to gather information without alerting Ms. Seth. Her misleading statements about her son’s location raised suspicions, and the police directed the cab driver to a nearby police station for further inquiry.
Senior police officer Nidhin Valson praised the vigilance of hotel employees and the calm demeanor of the cab driver, acknowledging their crucial roles in the case. The unfolding tragedy has left many questions unanswered, including the motive behind the alleged murder. Ms. Seth, known for her achievements in the field of artificial intelligence, is facing serious charges as the investigation continues.
Details surrounding the strained relationship with her husband, currently abroad, and the divorce proceedings are being explored. The police are carefully scrutinizing the circumstances leading to the tragic incident, with a post-mortem examination scheduled for the child’s body. CCTV footage from the hotel is under examination, and a forensics team is actively collecting additional evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, emphasizing the need for thorough verification of the details provided by Ms. Seth during questioning.