In a heart-wrenching incident, a seven-day-old newborn was abandoned in a public washroom at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Sector 43, Chandigarh. The baby, who was found in a distressed state, was discovered by sweepers working at the bus terminus, leading to immediate action from the Chandigarh Police.

The Discovery: A Disturbing Find

The sweepers, while performing their duties, came across the infant left alone in one of the washroom stalls. Disturbed by the discovery, they promptly informed the police, who rushed to the scene. The baby, said to be only a week old, appeared weak and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical care.

“It was shocking to see such a young child abandoned in such a vulnerable state. We immediately informed the police and took the baby to the hospital,” said one of the sweepers, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Authorities say the child is now receiving medical attention and is in stable condition. The police have expressed hope that the baby will make a full recovery, thanks to the timely intervention of the cleaning staff and hospital care.

The Police Response: A Case of Abandonment Filed

The Chandigarh Police have registered a case against the unidentified couple under Section 317 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to the exposure and abandonment of a child under 12 years by parents or guardians. The case has sparked widespread concern, as many are left wondering how such an incident could happen in a city known for its safety and modern infrastructure.

“The baby was found abandoned in a public place, which is a serious matter. We have filed a case and are now working to trace the parents. We are confident that the investigation will lead us to the responsible individuals,” said a Chandigarh Police spokesperson.

Authorities have initiated an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the bus terminus in an effort to identify the couple. Despite the urgency, the parents have yet to be located, leaving many in the community shocked and disturbed by the nature of the crime.

The Emotional Impact: Community Reactions

The incident has evoked strong emotions from local residents, with many expressing their outrage and sorrow over the abandonment of the innocent child. “I can't even imagine what would make someone leave a newborn like that. It’s heartbreaking,” said Amandeep Kaur, a Chandigarh resident.

Social workers and child protection organizations have also condemned the act, calling it an example of severe neglect. “This kind of act is not just criminal; it’s an emotional tragedy. This baby deserves a loving family, not abandonment,” said Rajeev Sharma, a child rights activist.

The Baby’s Recovery: A Ray of Hope Amid Tragedy

Despite the tragic circumstances, the baby’s health is improving with the care provided at the hospital. Health officials have stated that the child is being closely monitored and will be put under the care of child welfare services. "We are making sure the baby gets the best care. A child that age needs love, care, and protection, and we are doing everything to ensure their well-being," said the hospital’s pediatrician.

Authorities are now focusing on locating the parents and understanding the circumstances that led to the abandonment. It remains unclear why the couple would leave their child in such a way, but the police are hopeful that their investigation will soon shed light on the matter.

Looking Ahead: The Importance of Child Welfare

This distressing case has brought the issue of child welfare to the forefront once again, highlighting the need for stronger protections for vulnerable children. Community leaders are calling for increased awareness and support for families in distress to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.

As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the emotional toll of this abandonment, and the hope that the infant will eventually find the care and love they deserve.