Patna: A newborn was recovered safely after an attempted abduction at Patna Medical College and Hospital, where a woman allegedly fled the maternity ward with the infant only hours after birth, prompting a security response and an assault by an angry crowd before police intervened.
The incident occurred on Monday in the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department. According to officials, a woman admitted from a settlement near Buddha Marg gave birth to a son at 8.05am. Her husband briefly stepped out of the ward, during which time another woman — later identified as Jackie Kumari — reportedly introduced herself as a relative and gained the mother’s confidence.
At around 1pm, when the mother fell asleep, the accused allegedly took the newborn, wrapped the child in cloth and left the ward. The disappearance was discovered minutes later when the husband returned, triggering alarm in the ward.
Hospital security and family members, acting on CCTV footage that allegedly showed a woman moving suspiciously towards the premises’ bushes with a bundled infant, apprehended the suspect near a temple outside the main gate. She was subsequently handed to police. Before officers arrived, an angry crowd assaulted her, officials said.
During questioning, the woman reportedly claimed she had faced pressure and social stigma after being unable to conceive following her marriage three years ago in Madhya Pradesh. Police have registered a case and placed her in judicial custody.
Hospital authorities said the newborn was recovered unharmed and returned to the mother. The superintendent of the facility stated that security measures in the newer maternity building are stricter, with plans to allow only one accompanying family member per patient and to introduce identification cards for entry. CCTV surveillance and guard deployment, he added, have been strengthened.
Child theft attempts, though rare, have been reported in parts of the city in recent years, raising concerns about hospital security. Authorities say they are reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents and to improve monitoring of sensitive wards.
Police investigations continue. The hospital administration has also initiated an internal review of safety procedures.
