This doesn't ring true for me. It's very unlikely Mom would have left home after a single "quarrel" over "some matter." I think it's quite likely she was abused or threatened in some way. And that is how dad A. MAHENDRUM gained informal custody.
http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Six-year-old-abused-father-arrested/2013/08/10/article1727191.ece
Six year old abused, father arrested
By Express News Service - COIMBATORE 10th August 2013 08:25 AM
In yet another incident of a minor child falling prey to sexual abuse, a 30-year-old man was arrested here on Thursday for allegedly sexually harassing his six-year-old daughter in Mettupalayam.
According to police sources, the accused A Mahendran (30), a daily wage earner and a resident of Thiruvalluvar Nagar on Bharat Bhavan Road in Mettupalayam, had had a quarrel with his wife Dhanabakkiam (29) a month ago over some matter.
After the quarrel, Dhanabakkiam had left the house and had been living separately on Dasampalayam Road in Mettupalayam.
However, the couple’s children were staying with Mahendran at his house in Mettupalayam.
Recently, the children came to their mother’s house. Meanwhile, at the house while bathing, the six-year-old girl told her mother that she was experiencing pain in her private parts.
Following this, Dhanabakkiam, took the girl to a doctor. After examining the girl, the doctor told Dhanabakkiam that her daughter had been sexually harassed.
Upon learning this, the girl’s mother questioned her. The girl told her about Mahendran’s behaviour. Shocked by this, Dhanabakkiam lodged a complaint with the police against her husband.
According to police, “Mahendran could have sexually harassed his daughter between July 29 and August 5.”
Based on a complaint from Dhanabakkiam, Thudiyalur All Women Police (AWPS) registered a case against Mahendran under section 3 (b) of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
Police arrested Mahendran on Thursday. Further investigations are on.