Newborn girl’s body found floating in Ganjam pond; Police launch investigation

The body of a newborn baby girl was found floating in a pond at Bhishmagiri village under the Digapahandi block of Ganjam district on Tuesday morning, triggering shock and outrage among local residents.

According to sources, villagers noticed the body of the infant floating in a large pond locally known as Badabandha early in the morning and immediately alerted the police. Upon receiving the information, police rushed to the spot and recovered the body in the presence of local residents.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the newborn was dumped into the pond during the late hours of the night by unidentified persons. Police suspect foul play, possibly involving infanticide, though the exact cause of death is yet to be determined.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain whether the child was born alive and to establish the circumstances leading to her death. A case has been registered, and police have begun questioning local residents to gather vital clues.

The incident has once again brought into focus the continuing issue of female infanticide and abandonment of newborns, despite strict laws and sustained awareness campaigns against such practices.

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Police officials said efforts are underway to identify the parents of the newborn and trace those responsible for the crime. Further investigation is in progress.