Mirzapur: A woman attempted to immolate herself after throwing her three minor children in a well in Sant Nagar area of Mirzapur district here in Uttar Pradesh, a senior police officer said here on Saturday.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Santosh Kumar Mishra said that Amarjit along with his wife Chanda (25), her three children Akash (5), Kirti (3) and Annu (1) lives in Pajra village.

"While Amarjit had gone to Mumbai in connection with some work, Chandra, her three children and father-in-law Shyamdhar Kol were alone at the house," he said.

He said that on Friday night Chandra woke her three children, who were sleeping with Shyamdhar, and threw them in the well.

"Later, Chanda set herself on fire and attempted to immolate herself, but was saved by the neighbours. When a search was launched for the children their bodies were found in the well," he said.

The SP said that the bodies of the children have been sent for the post mortem examination Chanda has been taken into custody.

"The reason behind the incident is not clear yet. The matter is being investigated and Amarjit has been informed about the incident," he said.

(With UNI inputs)