Tragic Death of Abandoned Newborn in Chandigarh Hospital
A newborn girl, who was found abandoned near the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital (GMSH) in Sector 16 of Chandigarh on Saturday afternoon, has tragically died during medical treatment, according to police statements released on Monday. The infant's death has sparked a police investigation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as authorities work to identify the parents responsible for this heartbreaking abandonment.
Discovery by Alert Auto-Rickshaw Driver
The newborn was first spotted by Bunty, a 38-year-old auto-rickshaw driver residing in Sector 56, who heard distressing cries coming from near Tree No. 70 close to Gate No. 1 of GMSH-16 at approximately 3 pm on Saturday. Following the sound of the infant's cries, Bunty discovered a yellow cement bag lying near the tree. Upon investigation, he found the newborn girl wrapped in a towel and a green shawl, with her body smeared with mud, indicating she had been left exposed to the elements.
Emergency Response and Hospital Admission
Bunty immediately demonstrated quick thinking by alerting emergency services through a call to 112. A police control room (PCR) team promptly rushed to the location and transported the newborn to the Children's Emergency Ward at GMSH-16 for urgent medical attention. Doctors at the hospital assessed the infant and reported that she appeared to be only one to two days old and was gasping for breath when admitted, suggesting she had been in critical condition from the moment of discovery.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Police personnel from the Sector 17 police station, including Sub-Inspector Imroz Mann and woman constable Sonam from the women's help desk, reached the spot shortly after the discovery and later visited the hospital to monitor the situation. Despite extensive efforts by authorities to trace the baby's parents or any relatives, no claimant came forward to identify or claim responsibility for the infant. Based on Bunty's detailed statement, a formal case has been registered under Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against unidentified parents for abandoning the child.
Ongoing Investigation Efforts
Police officials have confirmed that they are actively examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and questioning vendors and workers in the vicinity to gather clues and identify those responsible for this tragic abandonment. The investigation aims to bring justice for the newborn and prevent similar incidents in the future. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that might assist in the case.
The death of the newborn during treatment underscores the severe consequences of child abandonment and highlights the critical need for awareness and support systems for vulnerable infants in society.
