A 20-day-old baby girl who was discovered buried alive in Uttar Pradesh, India, is currently receiving medical treatment. The baby was found by a shepherd who heard faint cries while grazing his goats. Upon further investigation, he noticed a small hand protruding from the ground, prompting villagers to alert the authorities. Police, who have not yet identified any suspects, retrieved the infant from the site.
The incident occurred in Shahjahanpur district. Hospital officials reported that the baby was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in critical condition, covered in dirt and struggling to breathe. Medical college principal Dr. Rajesh Kumar stated that the infant showed signs of hypoxia and had been bitten by insects. While there was initial improvement after 24 hours, her condition subsequently worsened, leading to an infection. Dr. Kumar noted that the wounds on the baby seemed fresh, suggesting she had been buried shortly before her rescue.
A medical team, including a plastic surgeon, is working to stabilize her condition, but the prognosis remains serious. Authorities have been unable to locate the baby’s parents, although a child helpline in the state has been alerted.
This incident highlights broader societal issues in India, where there is a noted preference for male children, contributing to a skewed gender ratio. Reports indicate that female infants are sometimes abandoned or killed, reflecting ongoing discrimination against girls in various communities. Historical cases, such as a premature newborn found buried in a clay pot in 2019 who later recovered, illustrate the troubling trend of female infanticide and the societal pressures surrounding gender preferences in the country.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jm18w299ko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss