Police ‘find clue’ in newborn abduction case

Two-member probe team from Lahore to provide technical help to Pindi police

RAWALPINDI:

Important evidence in the newborn abduction case has been found with the help of the Holy Family Hospital’s (HFH) CCTV footage, police claimed on Tuesday.

With over 72 hours having lapsed since the child’s disappearance from the hospital on October 31, the police are now hoping to recover the missing baby soon.

A two-member investigation team from Lahore has also reached Rawalpindi for further analysis of the CCTV footage and for providing technical help.

The team, along with New Town police, inspected the entry and exit points of the healthcare facility and also interrogated the security guards deployed there.

As per details, unknown suspects had replaced the day-old newborn with a doll before fleeing on Sunday, and a hue and cry was raised only when the child’s aunt discovered the baby is missing.

An official privy to the investigation told The Express Tribune on the condition of anonymity that the police are investigating the case from different aspects and have got concrete evidence that will help them close in on the suspects.

The official said that the police investigation team made a detailed visit to the nursery, labour room, operation theatre, and other wards on Tuesday. Hospital staff that was present on the premises at the time of abduction was also questioned again.

He further said that they are in constant contact with the infant’s family and obtaining required information from them.

The victim’s father, Shahid, told the media that while he doesn’t suspect any of his acquaintances, the incident has exposed the incompetency of the hospital.

He questioned the presence of a stranger in the nursery, where even fathers were not allowed to visit and only mothers can go to feed their babies. He stated it was incomprehensible how the newborn was abducted.

Shahid said the investigation team has given him hope the child will be recovered soon, adding that his entire family is shocked at the incident and that every moment with the baby still missing is an arduous one for the parents.

On the other hand, the five-member inquiry committee formed by HFH Medical Superintendent (MS) has not compiled the report yet even after the passage of over 72 hours after the kidnapping incident. The head of the committee, Dr Akhtar, has said that the investigation is progressing from every angle and the police are being given full cooperation and help in their course of action.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2021.