A labourer in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, has alleged that he was held captive by a farmer over a debt of Rs 70,000, which prevented him from reaching the hospital in time to see his newborn daughter before she died. The infant passed away on May 3 after 40 days in the ICU.
Incident Details
The newborn was one of twins born to Ravi Raghuvanshi and his wife Anjali on March 24. Doctors reported that one infant died during delivery, while the second baby girl was born premature and severely underweight at just 1.4 kg. She remained in the ICU for nearly 40 days before succumbing to her condition.
Hospital and Police Response
Hospital authorities stated that repeated attempts were made to contact the family after the infant's death, but no one arrived to claim the body. After four days, the hospital informed the police. Police first visited Hakimabad village in Ashta tehsil, where the family resides, but learned that the couple had gone to Jaleria village near Sonkatch in Dewas district for labour work. A police team later traced the parents and brought them back to Sehore.
Labourer's Allegations
Ravi alleged that he worked for a farmer identified as Manoj Jat and owed him nearly Rs 70,000. He claimed the farmer forcibly detained him and another labourer over the unpaid amount and prevented him from visiting the hospital despite knowing about his daughter's condition. Ravi told police that had he been allowed to reach the hospital in time, "perhaps the child could have been saved." Doctors, however, noted that the infant weighed only 1.4 kg and remained in ICU for around 40 days; despite treatment, she could not survive.
Hospital Records
Hospital officials said the father had visited the hospital only once or twice during the treatment period. They added that at the time of admission, the family had not submitted Aadhaar details or their personal mobile number; only the contact number of the farm owner was registered.
Investigation Underway
Police are now investigating the father's allegations from the angle of bonded labour and illegal confinement. Statements are being recorded, and action will be taken after investigation if the allegations are found to be true.
