Missing baby traced to Davangere

It is not a case of child trafficking as believed earlier: police

The police have traced the one-month-old baby girl who was believed to have been sold by her grandmother.

The baby was traced to Davangere and the police brought her back to Shimoga on Tuesday night.

Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development Lakshmikanthamma told

The Hindu the baby was being treated in the Government McGann Hospital and was stable. Deputy Superintendent of Police P.O. Shivakumar said the primary investigation had revealed that it was not a case of child trafficking as believed earlier.

Owing to old age and poverty, the grandmother had handed over the baby to Hayath Basha and Bashira, a couple from Davangere, who promised to look after her.

The baby’s mother, Nagi Bai, a resident of Kodatalu village, who was ill after giving birth, was admitted to the Government McGann Hospital and Nagi Bai’s mother, Somli Bai, was looking after her.

On March 9, Somli Bai handed over the baby to the couple. The hospital authorities intimated the police and a complaint was filed against Somli Bai.

‘Strained relationship’

During inquiry, Somli Bai told the police that Nagi Bai had a strained relationship with her husband. This had an adverse effect on her mental health and she refused to take care of her baby.

Somli Bai said that as she couldn’t look after the baby either, she handed her over to the couple. Ms. Lakshmikanthamma said Nagi Bai had been admitted to the State Home for Women.

Baby’s future

On the baby’s future, Ms. Lakshmikanthamma said that if the mother wanted to put the child up for adoption, the department would ensure that the adoption procedure was consistent with the law.

Mr. Shivakumar said the matter would be brought to the notice of the Child Welfare Committee.