Overview
In Hayes, a suburban area of west London, a couple of Indian origin are facing grave allegations after their three-year-old daughter died following a prolonged period of malnutrition. Manpreet Jatana, 34, and Jaskirat Singh Uppal, 36, were living in the area when authorities say their daughter, Penelope Chandree, passed away in the evening of December 17, 2023. Police reports and post‑mortem findings have connected the child’s death to severe nutritional deprivation sustained over months or years.
What happened
The young girl’s death prompted a police investigation that led to the seizure of her body for a post‑mortem examination. Investigators subsequently disclosed that the child suffered from a form of starvation linked to substantial neglect within the home. While details of the household routine remain under investigation, officers say the extended deprivation is a crucial factor in the tragic outcome.
Investigation and charges
Following months of inquiry, prosecutors formally charged the couple with murder in connection with their daughter’s death. The couple’s alleged actions — or lack thereof — are said to have amounted to a deliberate pattern of depriving a child of essential nutrition over an extended period. The police and Crown Prosecution Service have described the case as a serious abuse of parental responsibility, with investigators highlighting how neglect can have fatal consequences for vulnerable children.
Court proceedings
A judge, identified in court proceedings as Lin Dayton, has issued orders related to the case, and the matter is expected to proceed to the next stage in the courtroom. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for December 16, at which prosecutors and the defense will present further elements of the case. As with all criminal proceedings in the UK, the defendants have the right to a fair trial, and the court will carefully weigh the evidence presented by the Crown against any defenses offered by the defendants.
Judicial and legal context
This case sits within a wider framework of safeguarding obligations in the United Kingdom. Local authorities and the police are tasked with protecting children from harm, with social services often involved in assessing family circumstances. When a child’s welfare is found to be at serious risk, authorities can take protective steps while the investigation continues. The charges in this case reflect the severity with which such alleged neglect is treated by the justice system.
Public and family implications
Cases of this nature inevitably spark public discussion about child protection, parental responsibility, and the signs of serious neglect that may occur in domestic settings. While authorities pursue the legal process, communities also reflect on how to strengthen safeguarding measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future, including early intervention and support for families facing hardship.
What happens next
With the December 16 hearing on the horizon, the court will continue to examine the evidentiary material and determine the next steps in the prosecution. The case is likely to involve further disclosure, potential pre‑trial motions, and, if appropriate, additional testimony from witnesses connected to the investigation. As this is an active criminal matter, further updates will be provided by authorities as proceedings unfold.
