Newborn Girl Rescued from Jhabua Forest, Police Launch Search for Parents
In a distressing incident, a newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in the bushes of a forest area in the Kalyanpura region of Jhabua district on Saturday evening. Exposed to the harsh winter cold, the infant was rescued after local villagers heard her cries echoing through the woods, prompting immediate action.
Villagers' Quick Response Leads to Rescue
The incident unfolded around 5pm when villagers passing through the outskirts of the forest were startled by the sound of a baby crying. Upon conducting a search, they found the newborn lying on the ground in the forest, vulnerable to the elements. The timely intervention of these residents proved crucial in saving the child from further harm.
Police and Medical Teams Swing into Action
Following an alert, a team from the Kalyanpura police station swiftly reached the spot and transported the newborn to Jhabua District Hospital for urgent medical attention. Kalyanpura police station in-charge Dhulchand Dodiyar confirmed that the infant was safe, stating, "The baby is currently under the specialised care of doctors at the district hospital. Her condition is reported to be stable." This reassurance highlights the effective coordination between local authorities and healthcare professionals.
Legal Proceedings and Search for Parents Underway
The police have registered a case against unidentified parents under relevant sections of the law for child abandonment and have launched a search operation to locate them. Under section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), abandoning a child under the age of 12 is a serious criminal offence punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. Authorities are emphasizing the gravity of such actions while urging distressed parents to consider alternative options.
Authorities Advocate for Safe Surrender Options
In light of this incident, authorities reiterated that, instead of abandonment, parents in distress should opt for ‘safe surrender’ through the child welfare committee (CWC) or local hospitals. This process ensures the child's safety without immediate criminal prosecution, providing a compassionate and legal pathway for those unable to care for their newborns. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the availability of support systems to prevent such tragedies.
