Infant abduction triggers hospital probe

ABBOTTABAD:

The management of the Women and Children Hospital on Sunday constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the abduction of a 17-day-old infant from the hospital's nursery, while two Class IV employees were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident, which occurred four days ago, triggered widespread concern and protests by the infant's family, prompting an immediate response from the police. Given the heightened security arrangements during the holy month of Muharram and concerns over the potential impact on law and order, investigators launched an intensive operation using modern investigative techniques.

Police successfully recovered the newborn within 24 hours and arrested four suspects, including a woman, in connection with the alleged abduction. Following the completion of the necessary legal formalities, the infant was safely reunited with his parents. The incident has, however, raised serious questions regarding security arrangements and administrative oversight at the hospital, particularly within the neonatal nursery where the child was reportedly taken.

The incident sparked protests over the Medical Superintendent's alleged administrative shortcomings, with members of the paramedical staff and other protesters calling for his removal from office.