Newborn Baby Buried Alive in Uttar Pradesh Fights for Survival

In a shocking incident that underscores ongoing issues related to gender discrimination in India, a newborn baby girl was discovered buried alive in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The 20-day-old infant is currently battling for her life in a hospital, drawing attention to the alarming realities surrounding female children in the country.

Discovery of the Infant

The baby was found in a remote area of Shahjahanpur district, located in India’s most populous state. The discovery was made by a shepherd who was grazing his goats nearby. Hearing faint cries emanating from beneath a mound of earth, he approached the source of the sound and was horrified to see a tiny hand protruding from the mud. After alerting local villagers, the police were called to the scene, where they carefully excavated the infant from her grave.

Medical Condition and Treatment

Upon her rescue, the baby was rushed to the government-run medical college and hospital in Shahjahanpur, where she was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, the principal of the medical college, provided insight into the infant’s dire condition. He reported that when the baby arrived at the hospital, she was covered in dirt and struggling to breathe due to mud obstructing her mouth and nostrils.

Dr. Kumar described the infant’s state as critical, indicating signs of hypoxia, or oxygen deficiency. Furthermore, she had sustained insect bites and was likely attacked by animals during her time buried alive. “After 24 hours, we saw a minor improvement in her condition, but she has since deteriorated,” he added, noting that she had developed an infection.

A team of medical professionals, including a plastic surgeon, is working tirelessly to treat the baby and manage her infection. Despite their efforts, Dr. Kumar cautioned that the prognosis remains grave, emphasizing that the medical staff is doing everything possible to save her life.

Ongoing Investigation

As authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this disturbing case, police have yet to identify any suspects. The incident highlights a broader concern regarding the treatment of female infants in India, where cultural preferences for male children have led to a skewed gender ratio. The state police have reached out to local child helplines to ensure the baby receives the necessary care and support.

Context of Gender Discrimination in India

This incident is not an isolated one. It reflects a troubling trend in India, where female children often face abandonment and even attempts on their lives due to societal pressures and a traditional preference for sons. The country has one of the worst gender ratios globally, and women frequently encounter social discrimination throughout their lives. In many impoverished communities, girls are viewed as a financial burden, leading to a tragic history of female foeticide and infanticide.

Campaigners have long pointed to the prevalence of illegal sex determination clinics that facilitate the abortion of unwanted female fetuses. While many cases of gender-based violence occur before birth, the abandonment of baby girls after delivery is also a concerning reality. In a similar case reported by the BBC in 2019, a premature newborn was found buried alive in a clay pot but ultimately recovered after weeks of medical treatment.

The Road Ahead

The plight of this newborn girl serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing female children in India. As she fights for her life in the hospital, the incident raises critical questions about societal attitudes towards gender and the urgent need for reform. Advocacy groups continue to call for greater awareness and action to protect the rights of girls and ensure their survival in a society that often devalues them.

In conclusion, the story of this buried baby girl is not merely an isolated incident; it reflects deep-seated issues within Indian society that require immediate attention and systemic change. As her condition remains precarious, the hope is that she will receive the care she needs and that her story will help shine a light on the larger issues of gender discrimination and violence against women in India.

Key Facts

– A 20-day-old baby girl was found buried alive in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
– Discovered by a shepherd who heard faint cries, the baby was rescued by local villagers and police.
– The infant is currently in critical condition at a government-run medical college and hospital.
– Medical staff report signs of hypoxia and infection, but there has been some minor improvement in her condition.
– The incident highlights ongoing issues of gender discrimination and a preference for male children in India.

Source: www.bbc.com