Rescuer demands custody of infant, wants to adopt him

Kamakhyanagar: A man, who rescued an infant from a bush in Dihamunda Sahi under Kantapala panchayat here in Kankadahada block of Dhenkanal district, has demanded the administration to allow him and his wife to adopt the baby boy.

According to reports, Mangala Dehury, a local resident, had rescued an infant from a bush hearing his wails on the wee hours of June 3.

“I heard the wails of the baby from within the bush when I was passing by. I picked up the baby and informed our Sarpanch and brought the baby to Kamakhyanagar sub-divisional hospital in an ambulance. I want the custody of the child and whoever else would try to take the child will have to do it at the cost of my life,” Mangala Dehury said.

However, as per District Collector’s order a social service organisation named ‘Biswa Kuntala’, referred by District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) reached Kamakhyanagar sub-divisional hospital to take the custody of the infant today.

It was informed by the social service organisation that all the medical treatment of the baby boy further will be done at District Headquarters Hospital here.

“Sub-Collector of Kamakhyanagar informed me about the infant through a call. The baby is in stable condition and we are making arrangements to keep the child under Child Protection Committee,” informed District Child Development Project Officer, Krushna Panigrahi.