MONTREAL – A Quebec man, Kamaljit Arora, is on trial for the tragic drowning of his two children in October 2022. He has taken the stand in his own defense, testifying for a second consecutive day in a trial that has captivated the community in Laval, a suburb situated north of Montreal.

During his testimony, Arora claimed that he has no memory of the events that transpired on the day his 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son died. He stated that he consumed fentanyl shortly before the incident, resulting in a total blackout regarding the tragic events that unfolded in their family home. He only recalled waking up in a hospital, handcuffed, several weeks after the deaths.

While Arora, aged 49, has admitted to causing the deaths of his children, he has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. Furthermore, he faces charges for the attempted murder of his older daughter and for strangling his ex-wife. A publication ban has been set on the identities of the young victims, protecting them from public scrutiny.

The prosecution has concluded presenting its evidence and aims to demonstrate that Arora's actions were premeditated, seeking to portray him as having deliberately planned the horrific act. Arora, on the stand, discussed his deteriorating mental health, claiming to have faced severe depression since 2020. He disclosed that in the lead-up to the tragic event, he had purchased what he believed to be fentanyl with the intention of taking his own life.

The court proceedings have revealed numerous troubling aspects of Arora's mental health struggle, illustrating a man battling profound issues leading up to the fateful day. The jury is tasked with evaluating whether Arora's mental state at the time of the incident can be a substantial factor in his defense. The case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the law surrounding mental health and criminal responsibility in Canada.

This narrative is still developing, as both the prosecution and defense prepare to present further arguments and evidence. The case has provoked deep emotional reactions from the community and raises critical questions about mental health, trauma, and the responsibilities of parents. The jury's decision will be pivotal in this heartbreaking saga, affecting not only the lives involved but also influencing broader discussions around mental health issues in the justice system.