Tirunelveli Man Arrested Following Tragic Infant Death During Home Delivery Attempt
In a distressing incident from Tirunelveli, a 35-year-old man has been taken into custody by the Melapalayam police after his newborn baby boy died during an attempted home delivery for his wife. The event unfolded on Friday, casting a somber light on the risks associated with unassisted childbirth.
Details of the Incident
Police reports indicate that Naseem Hussain and his pregnant wife resided at Therku Thaika Street in the Melapalayam area. On Friday, as the woman began experiencing labour pains, Naseem decided to attempt a so-called 'natural' delivery at their home, without any medical supervision or assistance.
Around 11 PM, the woman successfully delivered a baby boy. However, tragedy struck when the infant died shortly after birth. Instead of immediately seeking medical attention, the couple took matters into their own hands.
Aftermath and Police Action
Naseem Hussain buried the infant's body at a burial site located at Kattu Jumma Masjid in Melapalayam. Following this, the couple rushed to the government primary health centre for further treatment. It was at this facility that doctors, upon learning of the couple's actions, promptly informed the Melapalayam police.
A formal case was registered under sections 91 and 94 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 91 criminalises acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive or to cause its death after birth, while section 94 pertains to the concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the attempted home delivery was carried out with mutual consent between the husband and wife. Naseem Hussain was subsequently arrested and remanded under judicial custody on Saturday.
Further Developments
In the evening, the infant's body was exhumed in the presence of revenue officials. The remains were then sent to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for a thorough autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter to uncover all relevant details and ensure justice is served.
This incident underscores the critical importance of seeking professional medical care during childbirth to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes. Authorities are urging the public to rely on trained healthcare providers for deliveries to safeguard both maternal and infant health.
