Tragedy strikes at Bengaluru studio: 3 year old drowns during maternity photoshoot

What started as a routine maternity photoshoot turned into heartbreak for a JP Nagar family on Saturday, after three-year-old Lakshveer C drowned in a pond at The Shire Studio in Giddenahalli, near Magadi Main Road.

Lakshveer had accompanied his mother, Swathi, who is seven months pregnant, to the studio, a popular venue for maternity and pre-wedding shoots. Swathi had come along with a pregnant friend who had booked the location for her shoot.

Her husband, Charan Raj, a software engineer, had travelled to the US for work about a week earlier. Before leaving, Swathi had informed him that she was headed for the photoshoot and had taken Lakshveer along.


According to police and investigators, the incident occurred around 2.30 pm while Swathi was busy with the shoot. The studio premises feature three small ponds, and officials suspect that Lakshveer may have wandered near one and accidentally slipped into the water. When Swathi realised her son was missing, she began searching the area.

He was later found in one of the ponds. Studio staff rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police said the pond contained more than two feet of water. Lakshveer, who was about three feet tall, may have been unable to regain his footing and could have gotten stuck in the mud, preventing him from climbing out.Case registered, family in shock

A case of unnatural death has been registered at Madanayakanahalli police station based on a complaint filed by Swathi’s father, Ramesh Babu. The complaint does not allege any negligence on the part of the studio management.

The child’s body was handed over to the family after an autopsy at Nelamangala Government Hospital on Sunday. Police said Charan Raj has been informed and is returning to Bengaluru. Officers added that the grandparents were in shock and could not provide detailed statements, while Swathi has sought time to appear before the police to record her statement.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the family and the local community, highlighting the hidden dangers posed by small water bodies even within private, well-maintained premises.A stark reminder

The tragedy underscores the hidden risks of small water bodies, even within private, well-maintained spaces. Families and venues are urged to maintain vigilance, particularly when children are present, to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.