Hyderabad, March 10: A tragic incident in Telangana’s Kamareddy district, where an auto driver allegedly drowned his three minor daughters in a lake, has triggered widespread shock and reflection, with senior Congress leader and Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir visiting the bereaved family to offer support and urge society to respond to distress within communities.

Police said the accused, an auto driver facing severe financial distress and addiction problems, had reported on March 6 that his daughters aged eight, six and five were missing. During the investigation, however, he allegedly gave inconsistent statements and attempted to mislead the police. Further interrogation and tracking of his movements revealed that he had taken the children to a lake and drowned them one after another. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on charges of murder.

The incident sent shockwaves through Kamareddy town, with residents expressing grief and anger over the brutal killing of the three children.

Shabbir Ali meets grieving mother, urges society to support the needy

Mohammed Ali Shabbir visited the family on Monday evening and met the children’s mother, who is now left alone after losing all three daughters in the tragic episode. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident and described it as a painful reminder of the consequences of poverty, social neglect and the absence of timely support for struggling families.

Addressing those present during the visit, Shabbir Ali said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for society to recognise distress within communities before it leads to such catastrophic outcomes.

He said that while many people spend lavishly on social functions, there are families struggling silently to meet basic needs. Society, he said, must learn to identify those in distress and extend meaningful support rather than limiting charity to symbolic gestures.

Shabbir Ali urged people to rethink the way charity and community support are practised. Instead of offering occasional small donations, he said individuals and communities should help poor families build sustainable livelihoods.

He noted that enabling someone to earn a livelihood – such as by helping them acquire an auto rickshaw or supporting a small business – could transform their lives and prevent desperate situations.

“If society fails to recognise and support those suffering from extreme poverty, such tragedies may continue to occur,” he said, appealing to people to introspect and act collectively.

His remarks were echoed by several local community leaders and religious scholars who attended the meeting. They said the incident demonstrated the urgent need for greater social awareness and compassion.

The gathering also included representatives from different communities who emphasised that the tragedy should unite people beyond religious or social differences in supporting vulnerable families.

During the visit, Shabbir Ali announced an immediate financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 for the bereaved mother. Municipal councillors, community leaders and local residents who were present at the meeting also contributed financial assistance. Several councillors pledged Rs. 5,000 each, while other individuals offered smaller contributions.

By the end of the meeting, the contributions collected from local leaders and residents had crossed approximately Rs. 1.06 lakh, which was handed over to the victim’s family to help them cope with the immediate crisis. Shabbir Ali said the funds should be kept safely and used to support the mother’s survival and future needs.

He also urged officials and community leaders to explore ways to provide her with a stable means of livelihood and secure housing so that she could rebuild her life after the tragedy.

During the meeting, Shabbir Ali also appreciated the efforts of the police department for swiftly solving the case. He noted that officers had worked through the night during the investigation, tracing the accused and uncovering the truth behind the disappearance of the children. Local community representatives also thanked the police for their prompt action.

However, residents expressed anger over the brutality of the crime and demanded strict punishment for the accused.

The killing of the three young sisters has deeply disturbed the people of Kamareddy, many of whom attended the condolence gathering to express solidarity with the grieving mother.

For many in the town, the tragedy has become more than a criminal case. It has raised troubling questions about poverty, mental stress, addiction and the lack of support systems for struggling families.

Shabbir Ali said the incident should not be seen only as a crime but also as a warning to society about the consequences of ignoring distress around us. He urged communities to become more vigilant and compassionate, stressing that helping vulnerable families at the right time could prevent tragedies that leave lifelong scars. (eom)