Durban, January 21: The South African grandparents of a toddler in Agra, whose Indian father killed his South African mother, are keenly awaiting the outcome of a court application for his custody. Sumit Handa had allegedly confessed to the killing of his wife, South African of Indian origin Niranjani Pillay, in Agra in October last year in fit of jealousy. Sandeep Singh, the attorney representing the grandparents, said papers had been served on Handa two weeks ago for the return of the child, who is a South African citizen. Singh said similar papers are to be served soon on Handa’s parents, with whom the child is currently staying.
The lawyer said the child had gone to India on a return ticket with a visa. “My main concern is that if that visa expires, then nothing stops Indian authorities from removing the child from the care of (Handa’s) parents and placing him in a foster home pending deportation,” Singh told the weekly Post. Singh also lauded the Indian police who he said were fully supportive of the efforts to get the child back home.
