Shillong, May 1: A chilling case of alleged attempted infanticide has emerged from Mawhati in Ri Bhoi district, where a newborn baby was reportedly buried alive for nearly eight hours before being rescued and rushed to a healthcare facility.
According to medical officials at Mawhati Primary Health Centre (PHC), the infant was brought in by school teachers and local residents on April 27 in a critical condition, covered in soil and debris. Despite the prolonged exposure, the baby was still breathing at the time of admission.
Dr. C. Dhar, who attended to the newborn, stated that the infant was born at approximately 5:00 AM, and the alleged act of burial took place around 6:00 AM. The child remained buried for several hours before being discovered by locals, who acted swiftly to save the baby’s life.
Emergency medical care was administered at Mawhati PHC before the infant was referred to Civil Hospital, Nongpoh, via a 108 ambulance for advanced treatment. Latest reports indicate that the baby is responding to treatment and remains under close medical supervision.
In connection with the case, the mother of the child has been identified and is currently receiving medical care. Authorities have initiated an investigation, with the police and the Social Welfare Department closely monitoring the situation.
Sources indicate that legal action may follow pending the outcome of the inquiry, as officials work to determine the circumstances and intent behind the incident.
The case has triggered serious concern across the region, highlighting issues surrounding maternal health, social distress, and child protection, while also drawing attention to the swift response of local residents whose intervention proved critical in saving the infant’s life.