An Indian-origin Australian woman committed suicide due to harassment by officials. The woman had been fighting for the custody of her children for a long time. Due to the suicide of the woman, once again question marks have been raised on the custody of Indian or Indian-origin children in foreign countries. Australian authorities have accused the deceased woman and her husband of improper child care.

According to media reports, Priyadarshini Patil (40) lived in Australia with her family. His son's health had deteriorated three years ago. He was admitted to a private hospital in New South Wales for treatment, but as the child's health did not show improvement even after six months, he sought treatment at another hospital, which was refused. Since then, the matter of child protection started.

Child Protection Department officials argued that the home was not being properly looked after. Because of this the health did not improve. As per protocol, social workers on behalf of the department spoke to the parents. He also inspected the environment of the house. Six members of the investigation team submitted positive reports to the department but the department gave importance to the seventh report. Based on this report, the Child Welfare Department took Patil's 18-year-old second son into custody along with the ailing son.

According to media reports, after this Patil was fighting with her husband to get the custody of the children. Even after fighting for three years, no help was possible. Meanwhile, Priyadarshini's father's health deteriorated, so she came to her home in Belagavi to take care of her father. He committed suicide here on 27 August. Patil also wrote a suicide note, in which he said that some of my neighbors, New South Wales Department of Communities officers and judges were responsible for my suicide.

Patil leveled allegations against child welfare officials for forcibly keeping the children. Protests were held outside the Australian High Commission in New Delhi against the high-handedness of the Australian authorities. The Government of India also intervened in the matter. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also promised to resolve the matter soon through the Ministry of External Affairs. According to foreign media, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says that they are deeply saddened by the death of the Australian woman. The Australian Government has expressed condolences on the death. He said consular assistance would be provided to Patil's family.