A shocking incident unfolded at the government medical college in Kushinagar after a newborn went missing from the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU). The case has led to serious allegations of negligence and a police investigation into the role of multiple staff members, including senior officials of the institution.
Baby Disappears Minutes After Being Shifted to SNCU
The incident occurred on Tuesday when Reena, a resident of Mania Chappar Tola in Balkudia village, delivered a baby boy. Around early evening, a staff nurse shifted the infant to the SNCU ward due to breathing issues. According to officials, the baby has been missing since that moment, triggering panic among the family and staff.
FIR Filed Against Nine Staff Members
Following a complaint by the infant’s father, Pradeep Chaudhary, police registered an FIR late Wednesday night. Those named include the Medical College Principal, the Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS), the duty in-charge, five nurses and a security guard. The case has raised serious concerns regarding administrative lapses and hospital security.
Initial Investigation Points to Negligence
Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth Verma, along with Padrauna Circle Officer, reached the hospital to question the staff. Preliminary findings indicate negligence on the part of the medical college administration, leading to growing suspicion about the circumstances under which the newborn disappeared.
No Evidence of Baby Mix-Up Theory
Staff nurses initially suggested that the incident might be a case of baby swapping. However, the investigation has so far found no evidence supporting this possibility. With no concrete leads, the mystery behind the missing infant has deepened further.
Non-Functional CCTV Cameras Hinder Probe
Police revealed that all CCTV cameras installed across the medical college were non-functional at the time of the incident. This major lapse has complicated the investigation, leaving authorities without crucial footage that could have shed light on what happened inside the SNCU.
Hospital Forms Internal Inquiry Committee
Superintendent of Police Keshav Kumar confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Principal Dr. Shahi announced that a three-member internal inquiry committee has been constituted. Efforts are now underway to retrieve whatever CCTV data may be available and identify procedural lapses.
Similar Incident Reported Earlier
This case follows an earlier incident where a woman impersonating a nurse kidnapped a six-month-old infant from a Kolkata-based paediatric institute. In that case, the baby was rescued within hours and the accused arrested, highlighting the urgent need for stronger hospital security protocols.
