Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkote
Bagalkote, June 29: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage and revived concerns over gender discrimination, a newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a bag near the Veerapur Rehabilitation Centre in Bagalkote district on Saturday morning.
The infant, believed to be just a few hours old, was discovered by local residents who heard faint cries emanating from a suspicious-looking bag left near the facility. On investigating, they were shocked to find the baby girl, wrapped in cloth and struggling to breathe.
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Kaladagi police station in Bagalkote taluk. Locals acted swiftly, rescuing the baby and alerting the authorities. Their timely intervention has been widely praised.
Officials from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the alert. The infant was immediately shifted to the District Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed she is now in stable condition and receiving necessary medical care.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the baby was abandoned shortly after birth, and authorities suspect gender bias as a likely motive behind the inhumane act.
According to officials, the abandonment may have been driven by societal pressure or a preference for male children — a lingering issue in several parts of the country despite legal safeguards and awareness campaigns.
Police have registered a case and launched a full-scale investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the abandonment. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined and local hospitals have been asked to report any recent childbirths that may be connected.
Child rights activists and members of civil society have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched prejudices that continue to endanger the lives of girl children in India. Many have called for tougher enforcement of child protection laws and expanded educational efforts to combat gender-based discrimination.
“This is not just a crime against a child; it is a crime against humanity,” said one local activist. “We must not only bring those responsible to justice but also reflect on the kind of society that enables such actions.”
Despite several initiatives by the government, including the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign, cases of female infanticide and child abandonment continue to surface across the country, exposing the gap between policy and practice.
The rescued infant remains under the care of child welfare officials and will be shifted to a government shelter once declared medically fit. Authorities have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.
As the police continue their probe, the incident has reignited urgent conversations about gender equity, societal responsibility, and the collective need to protect India’s most vulnerable.