Couple Throws Newborn Out of Bus Window After Onboard Delivery in Maharashtra; Baby Dies
Tragedy unfolds on Pathri-Selu Road as 19-year-old and man claiming to be her husband discard newborn; both in custody
In a horrifying incident that has shocked Maharashtra, a 19-year-old woman gave birth to a baby boy on a moving bus, only to allegedly throw the newborn out of the window with the help of a man claiming to be her husband. The baby died from injuries sustained after the fall.
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning around 6:30 am on the Pathri-Selu Road in Parbhani district. The woman, identified as Ritika Dhere, was traveling from Pune to Parbhani in a sleeper coach operated by Sant Prayag Travels. She was accompanied by a man, Altaf Shaikh, who claimed to be her husband.
According to police officials, Dhere went into labour during the journey and delivered the baby onboard. Shockingly, instead of seeking help, the couple allegedly wrapped the infant in a cloth and threw him out of the moving vehicle.
Their actions initially went unnoticed, but an alert citizen who saw a bundle being thrown from the bus onto the road grew suspicious and rushed to inspect it. To his horror, he discovered the newborn and immediately called the 112 emergency helpline.
Meanwhile, the bus driver, who had witnessed the couple discarding something, questioned them. Shaikh reportedly told him that Dhere had vomited due to motion sickness. However, the timely alert by the citizen allowed a patrolling police unit to intercept the bus shortly after.
Upon investigation, both Dhere and Shaikh were taken into custody. During questioning, the pair allegedly confessed that they discarded the child because they felt incapable of raising him. Tragically, the newborn succumbed to his injuries.
Both individuals are originally from Parbhani but had been living in Pune for the past year and a half. Though they claimed to be married, they were unable to produce any legal documents proving their relationship. Dhere was taken to a hospital for postnatal care, and police have issued a notice to the couple while the investigation continues.
A case has been registered against the couple at Pathri Police Station under Sections 94(3) and 94(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body).
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
