NEW DELHI: A newborn was reportedly stolen from the state-run VIMSAR hospital in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, police said on Wednesday.
The baby boy, born to a couple from Mahasamund district in neighboring Chhattisgarh on Monday was taken on Tuesday afternoon while the couple was out for a stroll, leaving the baby in the care of a family member.
According to the baby’s aunt, she handed the child to a woman who had been sitting near their bed earlier.
CCTV footage revealed an unidentified woman leaving the hospital with the baby. “We have formed four teams to track down the woman responsible for the theft.
All check posts have been alerted, and police are inspecting buses and trains,” said Additional SP Haresh Chandra Pande.
The baby’s mother reported that an unknown woman had frequently visited her bed, inquiring about her health.
VIMSAR Director Bhabagrahi Rath expressed optimism about recovering the newborn soon and urged patients to avoid engaging with strangers near their beds.