In an incident that has shocked the nation, Suchana Seth, the CEO of an Indian AI startup, has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of her young son.

A four-year-old boy was found smothered to death in a hotel room in Goa, leading to the arrest of his mother, Suchana Seth.

The child, the son of Suchana Seth, the CEO of The Mindful AI Lab, was found lifeless with indications of being smothered. Officer Kumar Naik from Hiriyur Taluk Hospital suggested that the child's death was likely caused by suffocation using a cloth or pillow.

Unraveling the disturbing events

Seth, who is currently under police custody, was detained in Karnataka state on Monday. The tragic sequence began during her stay at a hotel in Goa, where she had checked in with her son on Saturday.

Goa Police Officer Paresh Naik stated that the boy was found missing from the hotel on Monday night, leading to a grim discovery. Hotel staff noticed blood stains in Seth's room, which ultimately led to the finding of the boy's body hidden in her luggage.

The aftermath of the event saw the child being laid to rest in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised numerous questions and evoked widespread horror and disbelief.

A mother's deception and a community's shock

In a bid to mislead, Seth attempted to explain away the blood stains as being from her menstrual cycle. She also provided a false address in Bengaluru for her son’s whereabouts, further complicating the investigation.

Investigations into Seth's background reveal her to be an AI ethics expert with a notable profile on LinkedIn, including a former fellowship at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center. The Bengaluru address she had given, supposedly linked to her AI startup, led only to a co-working space without ties to her.

A former professor at Calcutta University who knew Seth expressed utter disbelief at her alleged involvement in such a heinous act. The contrast between her professional persona and the alleged crime has left many in the academic and tech communities stunned.

Tracing the timeline of a tragedy

Officer Kumar Naik remarked, "It doesn't look like the child was strangulated using hands. It looks like a pillow or some other material was used."

This tragedy unfolded over several days, beginning with Seth checking into the Goa hotel with her son on Saturday. By Monday, the situation took a dark turn when her son was found missing upon check-out. His body was later discovered in Seth's luggage, leading to her detention by Karnataka police on the same day.

The child's burial in Bengaluru on Wednesday marked a somber conclusion to these events. This timeline brings into sharp focus the speed at which this tragedy unfolded and its profound impact on the community.

Connecting the dots: A profile in contradiction

Seth's LinkedIn profile paints the picture of a successful, ethically-minded professional with ties to prestigious institutions like Harvard University. Her work in AI ethics stands in stark contrast to the allegations she now faces.

This contradiction is not lost on those who knew her professionally. A former professor from Calcutta University who knew Seth reflected on the case with astonishment. They expressed being "Surprised she could commit such a heinous crime," highlighting the gap between Seth's public persona and the alleged actions.

The community and Seth's professional circle continue struggling to reconcile her public image with the grim reality of the charges she faces. This contrast adds another layer of complexity to an already baffling and tragic case.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

In the wake of this tragedy, several key lessons and tips can be gleaned to help individuals safeguard themselves and their loved ones. However, it is crucial to remember that despite all precautions, crime can occur to anyone, and victims should never be blamed.

1. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar places like hotels. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, report it immediately.
2. Maintain open communication with family and friends about your whereabouts, especially when traveling.
3. Be cautious of the information you share online. Profiles and personal details can sometimes create a false sense of security about a person's character.
4. In any unusual or threatening situation, trust your instincts and seek help or advice from trusted sources or authorities.

Why this story matters

This story is significant for the community because it underscores the sometimes hidden dangers lurking in the most unexpected places. It serves as a reminder that tragedy can strike anywhere and that even those who seem trustworthy based on their professional accomplishments can harbor dark secrets.

The case also highlights the importance of vigilance in all aspects of our lives, from personal safety to the safety of our loved ones. It reminds us of the critical role of law enforcement and community awareness in preventing and addressing crime.

Moreover, this incident sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the unpredictable ways in which people can act under certain circumstances. It urges us to be more observant and cautious in our daily interactions and situations.

Finally, this story serves as a somber lesson about the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing and protecting those we love. It’s a call to action for all of us to be more mindful and proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.

• Suchana Seth, CEO of The Mindful AI Lab, was arrested for the murder of her son.
• The child was found smothered in a hotel room in Goa, with Seth giving misleading information to the police.
• Seth's professional background contrasts sharply with the allegations against her.
• The community and professional circles are shocked by the incident, highlighting the need for awareness and vigilance.