Thane: Newborn rescued from Ulhasnagar toilet

The baby is currently receiving treatment at Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar. Pic/Navneet Barhate

A one-day-old child was found and rescued by residents in a women's public toilet on Thursday morning in Ulhasnagar. Residents took the baby girl out of the toilet bowl and rushed it to Central Hospital, Ulhasnagar. As news about the baby spread in the city, residents started discussing another newborn who was found in similar circumstances five years ago and was eventually adopted by an Italian couple.

The boy was named Tiger by Ulhasnagar residents, who raised cash for his treatment. After his adoption, the child moved to Italy and celebrated his birthday on December 30, 2023. In the current case, Alka Godbole, the woman who discovered the baby, said, "The police should first trace the child's parents who committed the crime and punish them. Simultaneously, the baby should also be enrolled in the adoption process so that she may have a chance at a happy life."

Baby was taken to hospital

Godbole saw the baby when she visited the public toilet at Amrapalinagar in Ulhasnagar Camp no. four, Subhash Hill area, on Thursday morning. She saw the baby in the toilet bowl and panicked. She came out right away and informed other residents. Acting swiftly, the residents took the baby out of the toilet and rushed to Central hospital.

The public toilet in Amrapalinagar in Camp no. 4, where the baby was found. Pic/Navneet Barhate

The baby was treated under the guidance of superintendent Dr Manohar Bansode and paediatrician Dr Vasantrao More. "The baby admitted to the hospital is female and weighs 2 kg 130 grams. The baby was brought by locals. The baby was completely cold when we received her. The treatment was started immediately and she is fine now. We have informed the police who will take further action," said Dr Bansode.

Cops register case

The Vitthalwadi police have conducted the panchanama and started searching for the accused. "We have registered a case under Section 317 (a parent exposing or leaving a child under 12 years with the intention of abandoning them) of the Indian Penal Code against unknown persons and have started the investigation. First, we are checking nearby areas and hospitals to determine if any woman recently delivered a baby girl. We are also checking footage from CCTV cameras to get clues. We are trying to trace the parents and will take action accordingly. We are also contacting the state's Child Welfare Committee (CWC) to ensure that the baby girl is taken care of," said Sanjay Gaikwad, senior police inspector, Vitthalwadi police station.

Shivaji Ragade, founder of Ashoka Foundation, who helped baby Tiger, said, "When we found Tiger abandoned five years ago, I took permission from the CWC to get him treated for his infection and brain injuries. I got permission and with the help of an NGO, he was treated in a private hospital and also underwent surgery. Later, he was sent to a childcare centre in Navi Mumbai. He is having a happy life in Italy with the family who adopted him. I have received a call regarding the recent case of the baby girl and I will follow up and ensure that she gets proper treatment. We hope that she, too, gets a good family who will adopt her and give her a bright future."

2.13 kg
The infant's current weight