CHENNAI: In a tragic incident, a seven-year-old starved to death in Thirunindravur near Chennai following which his mother was found sitting beside the body for three days. The deceased has been identified as Samuel (7), son of Saraswathi.

The incident came to light after a neighbour noticed a stench emanating from Saraswathi's house. Soon, the police were informed and Saraswathi was found sitting next to the decomposed body of her child.

According to police, the woman appeared to be mentally unstable and had spent three days next to her son's dead body wiping away ants and flies. The body was later sent for post mortem. It is learnt that Saraswathi got separated from her husband seven years ago and has been living a reclusive life with her son since then. She had not contacted any of her relatives despite suffering from extreme povery and hunger.