In a poignant gesture aligning with the ideals of social reformer Savitribai Phule, top district officials in Dhule visited a hospitalised newborn girl who had been found abandoned earlier this month. The visit underscored the administration's focus on the welfare and protection of the girl child.
Official Visit on a Significant Day
On Saturday, which marked the birth anniversary of the pioneering educator Savitribai Phule, Dhule District Collector Bhagyashri Vispute and Superintendent of Police Shrikant Dhivare made a special visit to the Civil Hospital in Dhule. Their purpose was to personally check on the health and condition of an infant girl, approximately four days old, who is currently under medical care after being abandoned.
The timing of the visit was symbolic, linking the legacy of Phule's fight for women's rights and education to contemporary efforts in safeguarding vulnerable children. The officials emphasized the administration's commitment to supporting the girl child, especially in cases of neglect.
Discovery and Police Action
The infant's ordeal began on January 1, when she was discovered abandoned at the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple in the Panchavati area of Dhule. The location falls under the jurisdiction of the Devpur police station.
Upon receiving information, a police team led by an officer swiftly reached the temple premises. The baby was immediately rescued and taken to the Civil Hospital for necessary medical attention and care.
Inspector Samadhan Wagh provided details of the legal steps taken. The police have registered a formal case against the unidentified mother of the child. The charge has been filed under Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to abandoning a child under twelve years of age.
Ongoing Investigation to Trace Mother
The Dhule police are actively pursuing multiple leads to uncover the identity of the infant's mother and understand the circumstances of the abandonment. A key part of the investigation involves scouring CCTV footage from the vicinity of the Siddheshwar Mahadev temple to identify the person who left the baby there.
Simultaneously, investigators are conducting inquiries at hospitals with maternity wards across the region. This step aims to trace where the baby was born and potentially gather clues about the mother's identity. The police remain hopeful that these efforts will yield results and bring clarity to the case.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the critical issues of child abandonment and the safety of newborn girls, prompting authorities to reinforce their vigilance and support systems for such vulnerable cases.
