A tribal woman allegedly killed and buried her newborn baby in Nilambur, Malappuram district in order to protect her honour, as her husband had died two years ago.

The 35-year-old woman gave birth to the baby on May 30 at a hospital in Mukkam.

Since the infant had some health issues, the mother and the baby were admitted at Thrissur medical college.

The mother allegedly committed the crime when they returned home last Saturday after treatment. On Sunday, the child went missing and locals informed police about it.

Asianet News reports that the woman first told police that the baby died due to other health problems. Later, after continued questioning, she conceded that she killed and buried the infant.

She also reportedly planted a tapioca plant at the burial spot to cover up the crime.

Though the woman claimed that only she was responsible for killing the baby, police arrested the woman and her lover.