Newborn 'Stolen' From Odisha Hospital Rescued, Couple Arrested From Andhra Pradesh

Gajapati: More than a week after a newborn boy was allegedly stolen from the district headquarters hospital (DHH) here, Paralakhemundi Police rescued the infant and arrested a couple from Andhra Pradesh in connection with the case.

The accused couple has been arrested from Bathili area in Andhra Pradesh and the newborn has been rescued, informed Gajapati Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarah Sharma.

“The couple had no child so they wanted a baby. When they saw the newborn at the district headquarters hospital, they stole the baby and fled. They were taking care of the baby. They have been booked,” the SP said at a press conference.

Another accomplice who helped the couple in lifting the newborn has also been arrested, the SP added.

According to sources, a woman, wife of Madan Banua, of Nuagada area in Gajapati district was admitted to the DHH on March 18 after she developed labour pain and subsequently gave birth to the baby boy.

Later, an unidentified woman posing herself as a health worker came to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward, took the baby from the woman and told her that the doctor had asked to take the baby with her.

When the mother of the newborn and one of her relatives went to the doctor and inquired about the child, they were shocked to learn that the doctor didn’t ask anyone to bring the baby.

Though the family members of the woman who delivered the child and hospital staff frantically searched for the baby, they failed to find them. Later, the newborn’s father lodged a complaint with police.

Also Read: Four Arrested Over Charges Of Child Theft In Ganjam