SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: In an unbelievable incident, 30-year-old Priyanka Fernandes, allegedly abandoned her one-and-a-half-month-old child in a garbage pile near St Joaquim Road, at Borda, Margao, on Wednesday morning.
After noticing that the child was missing, the father immediately contacted the police, who swung into action, only to find the girl wrapped in a green polythene bag in the garbage pile, behind the apartment building where the family resides.
The police have registered a case against the mother, a native of Chandgad, Maharashtra, and arrested her. PI Nathan de Almeida of Fatorda police station informed that the mother has confessed to the crime and will be produced before court for remand.
The police rescued the child and took her to the hospital for medical treatment.
“This morning, I was sleeping and my wife woke me up and said I cannot find my baby. I woke up my parents immediately. Then I informed our neighbour about the situation and contacted the police,” said Richard D’Souza, the child’s father.
When asked as to who was behind such inhumane act, he replied, “I really don’t know anything. I was shocked to discover my baby in garbage pile behind the building. I’m still in a trauma right now because of what has happened.”
According to Richard, the main door was locked from inside and everyone was asleep. There was no sign of anything unusual within the family that could be suspected.
CASE REGISTERED
PI Almeida said that based on the complaint an offence has been registered against Priyanka under Sections 317 and 336 of the IPC and Section 8 of Goa Children’s Act for abandoning her child.
Police sources said the mother considered her child as a burden on her family and abandoned her.
Police said that Richard is employed as a salesman, while Priyanka is a housewife adding that both Richard and Priyanka tied the knot two years ago and it was a love marriage.
At least five persons, including two women, witnessed the child crying in the pile and informed the police.
