Newborn Found Abandoned in Rajasthan Forest with Sealed Lips: Mother and Grandfather Detained

Bhilwara: Police have detained a mother and maternal grandfather following the discovery of a 19-day-old infant abandoned in a forest in Rajasthan's Bhilwara. The newborn was found with his lips sealed with adhesive and a stone placed inside his mouth, apparently to prevent him from crying and drawing attention.

According to police reports, the infant was born from an illicit relationship. To avoid social stigma, the woman and her father had secured accommodation in Bundi using fraudulent identification and arranged for the delivery there. They reportedly attempted to sell the child, but when unsuccessful, they abandoned him in the forest weeks after birth.

"Following intelligence information, we have taken a woman into custody. Initial interrogation suggests she had a relationship with a man, resulting in this child. She subsequently abandoned the baby," explained Dharmendra Singh Yadav, Superintendent of Police in Bhilwara.

Authorities plan to conduct DNA testing to confirm the biological relationship between the woman and the infant.

The baby was discovered by a shepherd who heard faint cries while tending to his goats in Mandalgarh. He promptly alerted local authorities and residents. Police rescued the infant and transported him to the neonatal intensive care unit at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

While medical professionals are currently providing care and the baby's condition is showing some improvement, he remains in critical condition. Dr. Indra Singh, who oversees the Mother and Child Center at Bhilwara Medical College, informed NDTV, "The infant requires oxygen support due to respiratory difficulties. He also sustained burns from contact with heated stones."