• Source:JND
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A London court has heard shocking details in the case of Penelope Chandrie, a three-year-old girl allegedly starved to death by her parents, Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, and Manpreet Jatana, 34. The couple, of Indian origin, are accused of mistreating their daughter over an “extended period of time” and deliberately starving her, the Crown told the Old Bailey. 

Penelope’s emaciated and bruised body was discovered at the family home in Hayes, west London, on 17 December 2023, wrapped in a sheet. A post-mortem revealed that she died of malnutrition, with pathological findings indicating “starvation over a prolonged period of many months culminating in fatal ketoacidosis,” prosecutor Philip McGhee told the court.

The toddler also had marks on her neck consistent with bindings and injuries to her hands consistent with a sharp object, raising further concerns about prolonged abuse. Officers found the family home in a poor state, with the household’s vegetarian diet limited mainly to yoghurt, lentils, and butter, according to the court. A ligature attached to the bannisters was also discovered.

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Alleged Neglect And Isolation

The couple allegedly failed to register Penelope’s birth, provide her with medical care, or ensure she received education. Prosecutors described how they “isolated themselves from the wider world,” and initially considered cremating the child in their back garden before contacting a funeral director.

At the time of the incident, Uppal and Jatana had not been working for some time and lived in a house owned by Uppal’s father. Emergency services were called to the home on Pennine Way, where Penelope was found deceased.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that following an investigation, the couple was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Penelope’s death. Reporting restrictions remain in place until further hearings are scheduled.

Court Proceedings Underway

Uppal and Jatana appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court following the charges. They have been remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing set for 16 December. The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about child welfare, particularly in households that isolate themselves from external support.

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The prosecution’s case paints a harrowing picture of systematic neglect, with investigators describing a home environment that lacked basic care and supervision.