Newborn dies after home delivery in Idukki

A newborn infant died after being given birth at home at Perumkala, near Cheruthoni, in Idukki. According to the police, the infant was the son of Johnson,45, and Viji, 45, and the couple did not seek medical assistance for the delivery. The father helped with the childbirth.

According to local people, Mr. Johnson was a pastor, and the couple chose not to seek medical help. The newborn’s body was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Idukki. After the delivery, Ms. Viji had heavy bleeding and was shifted to the medical college with police assistance. Her condition is stable.

Perumkala ward member Ajeeshkumar P.V. said that the family has no contact with the neighbours. “The couple have three other children. Neighbours said Johnson assisted the three deliveries. They did not send their children to school. The family followed a special religious tradition,” said Mr. Ajeeshkumar.

“Two days before, we asked Mr. Johnson to seek medical assistance for the delivery. But he said God will save the children,” said Mr. Ajeeshkumar.

Idukki Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajan K. Aramana said the police had registered a case of unnatural death and a probe was going on. “Johnson and Viji were working in Thiruvalla. The police are collecting more details about the family,” said the officer.