Kerala Woman Charged Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for Illegal Abortion and Abandoning 8-Month Fetus

Thrissur police have filed charges against a 37-year-old woman for allegedly discarding an eight-month-old fetus at a local quarry in Attoor, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The suspect has been identified as Swapna, who resides in the Bhagavathikunnu area of Attoor. Authorities registered the case Wednesday evening.

Officials from Cheruthuruthi police station reported that Swapna had recently sought medical attention due to severe bleeding. The hospital staff grew suspicious that she might have undergone an illegal abortion procedure and promptly notified law enforcement.

Further investigation revealed that Swapna had hidden her pregnancy from family members and consumed abortion pills last month to terminate her pregnancy, which was already in its eighth month.

According to the official report, she delivered the fetus in her home bathroom, placed it in a bag, and subsequently abandoned it at a quarry near her residence.

Authorities have charged Swapna under Sections 88 (causing miscarriage) and 94 (secret disposal of a dead child's body) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Currently, Swapna remains hospitalized and receiving treatment. Police have indicated they will record her official statement once her medical condition improves.

As part of their ongoing investigation, police officials also plan to collect statements from Swapna's family members.