On Tuesday, Kummari Arunamma went to the Civil Courts Magistrate in Punganur to file a petition for a mercy killing for her nine-year-old son Harshavardhan, who has been suffering from a prolonged, critical illness since the age of 5. However, tragedy struck when the boy passed away after leaving the court premises, as Arunamma and her husband held him in their arms. Harshavardhan, who was the only child in the family, died in the auto on the way back from the court, reports say.
In the letter to the Magistrate, Arunamma said that her son had been suffering from extensive bleeding from the nose from a young age and had not been getting better despite multiple hospital visits. "We don't have the financial ability to take him to major hospitals. As a mother, I'm unable to see him in this condition so I request you to pray for the death of my son," the letter stated.
The parents had taken the boy to be treated at RUIA hospital in Tirupati, to Vellore in Tamil Nadu, and several other private hospitals, but there was no improvement in his condition. Speaking to local media, the mother said, "I'm seeking a mercy killing for my son as there is no improvement in his condition and he is continuing to bleed. We are unable to see his suffering."
While stating that they had taken the boy to hospitals in Eluru and Tirupati, they noted that doctors said there was no cure for his condition.
The details of the boy’s condition are not clear, but according to reports, he was injured in a serious accident four years ago.