An Indian-origin couple in London has been charged with allegedly “deliberately starving” their three-year-old daughter, Penelope Chandrie, to death by feeding her a restricted vegetarian diet of yoghurt and lentils.
Manpreet Jatana, 34, and Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, appeared at Old Bailey criminal court on Tuesday, facing charges of murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and child cruelty.
Allegations of prolonged starvation
The prosecution told the court that Penelope had been mistreated over an “extended period of time” and was “deliberately starved,” leading to her death. A post-mortem confirmed malnutrition as the cause. Pathologists found signs of “starvation over many months culminating in fatal ketoacidosis,” a serious condition caused when the body does not receive sufficient food.
Details of the family’s diet and living conditions
Police described the couple’s vegetarian diet as mainly consisting of yoghurt, lentils, and butter. Their home in West London was reportedly in poor condition. Emergency services discovered Penelope’s “very emaciated” body wrapped in a sheet at a residential address on Pennine Way in Hayes on December 17, 2023.
Arrest and charges
The case remained under investigation for months before Jatana and Uppal were arrested in September 2025. Following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), they were charged with murder and other offences. A police statement noted:
“Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), both people have been charged with murder in connection with the girl’s death.”
At Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Lynn Tayton ordered that both accused remain in custody. They are due to return to court on December 16, when they will enter pleas of guilty or not guilty to determine if the case will proceed to sentencing or a jury trial.
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