Mumbai: Abandoned twice by parents, baby boy up for adoption with cops’ aid

MUMBAI: Abandoned twice by his parents, a baby boy who had become

the cynosure of all at Juhu police station now has cops fielding inquiries

about his adoption.

Seven-month-old Yash (name changed) was born at a public hospital in

December 2020. His mother was referred there from another nursing

home, where she had developed complications. The baby was

immediately moved to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after birth.

Shortly after his mother recovered, she and her husband disappeared.

The hospital contacted Juhu police, who tracked down the couple under

the supervision of senior inspector Shashikant Mane.

“The mother claimed she was upset over not being allowed to see her

baby. Doctors explained that given the baby’s condition and the

pandemic, they were not encouraging visits to the NICU,” said an officer. At the cops’ request, the mother was dressed in a kit

and allowed to meet the baby but few days later, the parents vanished again. This time, they vacated their rented home and

destroyed their phone so that investigators would not be able to look into their call records. Despite a vague address, police

found the couple’s rented home only to find it locked.

The landlord, who opened the house with a spare key, knew nothing of the couple’s departure.

Yash continued to stay in NICU for quite sometime. His only visitors at the hospital were cops who developed a bond with him.

When ready for discharge, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) directed that an orphanage take him in. “It was an emotional

moment packing his tiny clothes, putting together the paperwork and arranging for a vehicle to take him to his new home. He is

adorable,” said an officer.

Last week, they sent a final report to CWC on the case, paving the way for his adoption. “We have been fielding inquiries from

colleagues and their families keen to adopt the baby. CWC will interview them and take a decision,” said an officer.

The seven-month-old boy was born at a public hospital in December 2020. When his mother had developed complications, he

was immediately moved to the neonatal intensive care unit . Shortly after her recovery, she and her husband disappeared

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