Father of newborn girl found buried alive arrested

Jajpur: The father of the newborn girl, who was found buried alive in Syamasundarpur village under Jenapur police limits in the district, was arrested here today.

The arrest comes on the heels of some major revelations after the Jenapur police detained the accused earlier in the day. Identified as Ramesh Basantia, the accused confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Jajpur Superintendent of Police Anup Sahoo informed media persons, "The parents of the ‘wonder infant’ already had four kids; so they had first tried to abort 'Dharitiri' but failing to do so, they buried her in a manure heap on March 25."

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However, the infant was rescued by a group of villagers in critical condition and was admitted to a nearby Community Health Centre (CHC). She was later shifted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH).

Meanwhile, the incident shook the State and several child welfare organisations and child rights activists raised concerns over rising discrimination against girl children and female infanticide cases. Besides, proper enrollment and tracking of pregnant women through ASHA workers in villages were also stressed.