Mumbai Domestic Helper Detained After Abandoning Newborn in Khar Building Refuge Area
In a distressing incident in Mumbai, the Khar police have detained a 20-year-old woman working as a domestic help for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby girl. The incident occurred in the Om Nirman building located in Khar (West), where the infant was left in the open space of the refuge room between the 14th and 15th floors on Sunday.
Discovery of the Newborn
The information came to light when constable Sheetal Mengade received a call at 10:30 am from building resident Varun Raheja. Raheja had contacted a Nirbhaya Officer posted at the Khar Police Station after being informed by his housekeeping boy about a newborn placed in a plastic bag in the refuge area.
Police reports indicate that Raheja was asked to verify the situation, and upon checking the location, he confirmed that the newborn was alive. This prompt action led to immediate police involvement to ensure the infant's safety.
Police Response and Investigation
Constable Sheetal Mengade quickly informed her superiors, including day shift supervisor assistant police inspector Santosh Kanse and station house officer police sub-inspector Vijay Said. Together, they rushed to the scene to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance.
According to the Khar police, Mengade had received the initial call detailing the discovery of the baby in a plastic bag. After Raheja confirmed the infant was alive, Mengade alerted Kanse, who promptly reached the spot and arranged for the baby girl to be taken to Bhabha Hospital.
At the hospital, doctors conducted a thorough examination and admitted the newborn for treatment, ensuring she received the care needed following the traumatic abandonment.
Identification of the Mother and Legal Action
During the subsequent inquiry led by Kanse and Said, police identified the mother as Mrs. Pramila Sukhiram Tirki, a domestic helper working on the 15th floor of the same building. She reportedly gave birth to the baby girl at 4 am before abandoning her.
The woman stated to authorities that she abandoned the newborn because she is unmarried. She placed the infant in a garbage bag and left her in the open space of the refuge room between the 14th and 15th floors, leading to her detention by the police.
The 20-year-old mother has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for abandonment, highlighting the serious legal consequences of such actions. This case underscores ongoing issues related to infant safety and maternal support in urban areas like Mumbai.
