Bhanjanagar: In a shocking incident, a two-month-old girl was left battling for life after she was reportedly fed pesticide by her father Wednesday. The incident was reported from Dihapadal village under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district.
Family members rescued the girl and admitted her to Bhanjanagar government hospital. As her condition worsened, doctors referred her to Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
However, financial constraints proved a hurdle for the baby’s mother who was seen pleading for help and sobbing inconsolably in the hospital. The incident has spread shockwaves in the area.
A case was registered and an investigation was launched after medical authorities informed the police about the incident. Meanwhile, accused Munna Swain was on the run.
According to police, Munna of Lalsingh married Laxmi Swain of Dihapadal 12 years ago. After marriage, Munna lived at his father-in-law’s house. The couple was parents to two children – a boy and a girl.
Keeping in mind the financial constraints of the family, the couple decided to go for family planning and Laxmi underwent tubectomy a year back.
Much to their dismay, Laxmi was impregnated once again. Upon approaching the medical authorities, they learnt that the operation wasn’t done properly. Since then, Munna was under stress although he permitted Laxmi to deliver the baby as they did not want to abort it.
Two months back, Laxmi delivered a baby girl. However, Munna’s attitude changed towards the baby. The baby was sleeping in a room while Laxmi was busy cooking Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Munna who was supposed to leave for work took pesticide and fed it to the baby over reasons best known to him. Hearing the baby’s cries, Laxmi rushed to the spot only to find her husband feeding his own daughter poison.
Laxmi soon pushed away Munna and rescued the girl and rushed her to Bhanjanagar hospital. Even Laxmi seemed to be in shock over Munna’s action.
Paediatric specialist Bhagban Sahu said that the child’s health condition has improved but nothing could be ascertained until the next 24 hours. PNN
