Newborn found dead in cradle, Barnala DC seeks report

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Barnala, June 15

Four days after a newborn girl was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the cradle of Barnala civil hospital, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tej Partap Singh Phoolka has sought a detailed report of the incident from civil surgeon (CS) Dr Gurinderbir Singh.

“It’s a serious issue, as it’s the first time a child has been found dead in the cradle. I have sought a detailed report from the CS and will take action accordingly,” the DC told The Tribune.

“I have sought a detailed report of the incident from senior medical officer of Barnala civil hospital. A board of doctors conducted the autopsy and the viscera have been sent to a laboratory for examination. I will submit my report to the DC in a day for further action,” said the CS.

A source said on seeing the child in the cradle on June 11 morning, the Health Department authorities first thought that the baby was unwell, it was only later during the medical examination, it came to light that the baby was dead.

The source said postmortem examination couldn’t be conducted due to the absence of a forensic expert. After the CS took up the matter with the office of Director, Health Services, Punjab, a forensic expert was sent from Sangrur. Subsequently, the autopsy was conducted in the evening of June 12.

The incident has sparked an outrage among locals as well.

“It seems that the baby died in the cradle only because why would anyone leave a dead child in the cradle? And if this is true then it shows negligence on the part of staff. The Health Department needs to conduct a thorough probe into the matter,” said a local on the condition of anonymity.