'Where is the body?': UP hospital says baby dead after delivery; mother claims staff sold my newborn

MEERUT: She was told her newborn had died. But four months later, the mother is still asking the same question: if the baby was dead, where is the body?Kamlesh Devi, 35, a resident of Jhindri village, alleged that her newborn daughter "disappeared" after delivery at Ballia Community Health Centre nearly four months ago, and that staff "falsely" told her the child was stillborn.The family said Kamlesh had a normal delivery but lost consciousness due to excessive bleeding. When she regained consciousness, she was informed that the baby had died. However, no body or official documentation was provided, raising suspicion."After gaining consciousness, I repeatedly asked for the body, and every time I was told the child was born dead. But they never handed me the body. I visited the facility a couple of times in the last four months, but no information was provided to me. I firmly believe that the staff sold my baby. I want justice," Kamlesh Devi said.The matter gained momentum after her husband, Ramesh Kumar, returned from an out-of-state labour job and began questioning the circumstances. "I was on a contract labour job and could not come earlier. But it was obvious that if the body was not handed over, the child was stolen. We heard it was a baby girl. We met the district magistrate, who has promised an inquiry into the matter," he said.Taking note of the allegations, district magistrate Avinash Singh on Thursday ordered a probe and constituted a four-member special investigation team led by SDM Vidushi Singh to examine the case and ascertain whether records were falsified. "Investigations have already begun in the case," the SDM said.Chief medical officer Vishram Singh added, "We will be submitting our report soon."Authorities said the inquiry will examine all aspects, including hospital records and staff conduct, to determine whether any wrongdoing took place.(With inputs from Asif Ansari in Bareilly)