Mumbai couple murder newborn girl, throw body in garbage bin, booked

Mumbai police suspect the girl was killed immediately after birth as the couple did not want a girl child

An unidentified couple was booked for killing a newborn girl and disposing of the body in a garbage bin in Shantinagar, Bhiwandi, on Thursday.The police were alerted by passersby who noticed the body.

According to an officer at the Shantinagar police station, the umbilical cord was cut incorrectly as half of it was still attached to the infant, who was covered in blood. (Photo for representation only)

According to an officer at the Shantinagar police station, the umbilical cord was cut incorrectly as half of it was still attached to the infant, who was covered in blood.

The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead.

“We suspect the girl was killed immediately after birth as the couple did not want a girl child. We are currently investigating hospital records, nursing homes, and private maternity homes to trace women who have recently given birth so we can ascertain the accused’s identity,” investigating officer, U Ardalkar, told HT.

Police said they were unable to find witnesses to the crime.

“There are no CCTV cameras in the area. We are asking our sources if they have any information,” he added.

The couple was booked under section 318 (concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

A similar incident occurred on October 16, when the police arrested four people – Mata Mandir Banerjee, 20; her mother Shanta, 45; and her boyfriends Kamlesh Bhanushali, 29; and Mahesh Bande, 24 – for killing a newborn boy in Dombivli. Mata and Shanta wrapped the newborn in a plastic bag and disposed of it behind a building in Siddhi Park, Manpada.