SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 29: In a swift operation, Dhanbad police recovered a newborn baby stolen from Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) within 24 hours of the incident.
The infant was traced to Bhuli Township, about 8 km from the district headquarters, and three persons, including a woman, have been taken into custody in connection with the case.
Also Read- President Murmu inaugurates Ol Chiki Centenary in Jamshedpur
Saraidhela police station officer-in-charge Manjit Kumar said the breakthrough came after analysing CCTV footage installed inside the hospital.
Based on the visuals, police conducted raids at multiple locations before recovering the infant late on Sunday night from the Bhuli Township area.
Infant handed over to mother
SNMMCH Superintendent Dr D.K. Gindauria confirmed that the baby was safely recovered on Sunday late night and immediately handed over to the mother at the hospital. He said the infant underwent a medical examination after recovery and was found to be in normal health.
The hospital administration also expressed relief over the safe recovery and said necessary steps are being reviewed to prevent such incidents in the future.
Incident from maternity ward
According to police, the baby boy was stolen from the maternity ward of SNMMCH on Saturday night. A woman, allegedly posing as a nursing staff member, took the two-day-old infant on the pretext of a medical check-up and did not return. When the baby remained missing for several hours, family members raised an alarm and informed the police.
Following the complaint, Saraidhela police launched a search operation, relying heavily on CCTV footage, which ultimately led to the recovery of the infant.
Also Read- Supreme Court stays Delhi HC bail order for Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Sengar
Probe into possible gang involvement
Police said investigations are underway to ascertain whether the incident was the work of an organised child-lifting gang or an individual acting alone.
The role of outsourced health staff is also being examined as part of the probe, officials added.
