Post-mortem confirms rape survivor's baby was murdered

BAREILLY: An autopsy report in suspicious death of a day-old baby of a 19-year-old rape survivor confirmed that she was "smothered to death", Sambhal police said on Sunday, adding that they have started investigating the case.

The young survivor, who was raped by her brother-in-law in Asmoli area of Sambhal dictrict, became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby at district hospital on Wednesday. The next day, the baby was found dead and family claimed that the child fell ill and died. Doctors and nurses at the hospital were however surprised as the baby was "healthy". The matter was reported to police and the body was sent for autopsy. The report confirmed that the child was murdered.

A senior cop said, "The survivor's family wanted to abort, but the incident came to light after she was 5-months pregnant and it was late. The suspicious death indicated foul play. The family were changing their statements. Initially, they said that the baby was stillborn. After autopsy, they said the baby fell ill and died 12 hours after birth." Dr Geeta Agarwal, who delivered the child, said, "It was a normal delivery and the newborn was healthy. The death is not natural and police should investigate the case thoroughly." SP Kuldeep Gunawat added, "We are questioning the family for more details."