Almost after a decade, Madhavi and Mallesh, a couple from Sangareddy district, gave birth to a baby girl on April 30 at the Mother and Child Care Hospital (MCCH). The couple’s joy has, however, turned into anxiety as their eight-day-old infant was abducted by an unidentified woman on Tuesday, around 10 am.
The baby was suffering from jaundice and was again admitted in the hospital on May 3. On Tuesday, the baby was taken for phototherapy. After the therapy, the hospital attendant, Vanitha, handed over the baby to another woman, who was outside the room. Madhavi was at the Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) at the time.
According to the CCTV footage obtained by the police, the woman can be seen carrying the baby on her shoulders and leaving the hospital. The infant’s mother, Madhavi, accuses Vanitha of being a co-accused in the crime.
Enraged, relatives of Madhavi protested in the hospital and even attempted to assault Vanitha.
Sensing the tense situation, the Sangareddy police intervened and took away Vanitha to the station for inquiry. However, the preliminary inquiry revealed that Vanitha had no role in the abduction.
On learning about the situation, Sangareddy District Collector Hanumantha Rao visited the hospital and consoled the parents. Subsequently, he suspended Vanitha and another staff member for the negligence.
Meanwhile, the police are yet to trace the baby.
Speaking to TNM Sangareddy Circle Inspector Venkateshwarulu said, "So far, we did not get any lead in the case. Four teams have been formed to search the baby. We are searching the hospital premises and bus stands. Vehicular checks are also being carried out in Sangareddy. Using the CCTV footage, we are trying to identify the culprit."
The police are also searching other hospitals as they believe the abductor might admit the ailing baby to a hospital. They have even announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for those who give any lead in the case.
The inspector said that they have also alerted the police authorities of the neighbouring districts.