Newborn kidnapped from Bajaur hospital

Police say child’s mother was being moved to ward after delivery when a burqa-clad woman approached and took baby away

BAJAUR:

A newborn child was abducted from District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Khar in Bajaur tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Tuesday.

According to the police, the child’s mother was being moved to the ward for treatment after delivery when a burqa-clad woman approached and swiftly took the newborn away.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, prompting the district police to respond immediately. After extensive scrutiny of the hospital’s CCTV footage, the woman was identified, arrested, and the newborn was safely recovered.

An FIR has been registered in the case, and the police are currently conducting further investigations.

The abduction of newborn children and minor girls has been a growing concern across K-P. In recent years, the region has seen an increase in such crimes, including the age-old practice of kidnapping minor girls and selling them as brides.

This resurgence has been attributed to the country’s record inflation and economic challenges.

The safe recovery of the abducted newborn is a relief, but the incident highlights the urgent need for authorities to address and combat such heinous acts.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2023.