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SHILLONG :Police have launched an investigation to trace the parents of a newborn baby boy who was allegedly abandoned at the premises of Ganesh Das Hospital in Lawmali earlier this week.
The infant was discovered on May 25 at the state-run maternal healthcare facility, prompting authorities to register a criminal case and begin efforts to identify those responsible.East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the baby has since been placed under the care of the Specialised Adoption Agency at Nongthymmai Lumsohphoh.
According to police, a case has been registered at Sadar Police Station under Section 93 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with the exposure and abandonment of children by parents or guardians.
Officials said the provision carries punishment of imprisonment for up to seven years.
Police have not yet disclosed the circumstances under which the child was abandoned, and investigators are currently attempting to establish the identity of the parents. The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns surrounding social stigma, lack of support systems and distress faced by vulnerable mothers and families.
Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could assist the investigation or help trace the parents of the infant.
People with relevant information have been requested to contact Pasteur Beat House at 9362321122 or Shillong Police Control Room at 6009196479, 0364-2222214, or 0364-2222277.
The baby is currently reported to be safe and under institutional care.