Abandonment of newborn baby in Maradu: CWC awaits police report

Kochi: Child welfare committee (CWC) authorities in Ernakulam are awaiting the police report on what led to the abandonment of a newborn baby in Maradu last month, to take further steps.

Since it has been 10 days since the baby was abandoned, CWC officials are of the opinion that neither the mother nor relatives are likely to take the baby back as they have not received any call in this regard.The newborn baby was found abandoned near a roadside stall close to a mall in Maradu early on June 28 and was later taken to Ernakulam general hospital before being officially taken over by CWC.CWC registered a suo motu case to examine the circumstances that led to the newborn being abandoned.

It directed Maradu police station SHO to conduct an urgent and detailed investigation into the matter. District child protection unit has also been tasked with carrying out a thorough inquiry and submitting a report.“Once we get the police report and if it is about the unwillingness of the relatives, CWC will initiate procedure to declare the baby as abandoned. Later, we will wait for two months to see if any close relatives are coming forward. If none comes forward, we will declare the baby legally free for adoption and further steps will be taken,” a CWC official said.Police had identified the mother of the baby and she reportedly claimed she was suffering from health issues and was unable to take care of the baby.