A shocking incident occurred at Sonamukhi Rural Hospital in Bankura, West Bengal, on November 18, where a stray dog allegedly carried away a premature baby born to a woman who had come to the hospital for delivery. The woman, identified as Priya Roy from the village of Kochdihi, reportedly gave birth to a six-month-old baby in the hospital washroom while waiting to be admitted. The newborn was then taken by a stray dog roaming on the premises. Despite attempts to chase the dog, the baby could not be retrieved. This incident highlights the failure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government to provide basic medical facilities and ensure the safety of patients in state-run hospitals.
Priya was reportedly rushed to the hospital with severe stomach pain and was instructed to collect a urine sample. While in the washroom, she unexpectedly gave birth to a premature baby on the floor. Family members claim that they immediately sought help from the hospital staff, but the response was slow.
The family accused the hospital staff of negligence, stating that despite their repeated requests for assistance, no one attended to Priya. While the family sought help for Priya, the baby was left unattended in the washroom. When they returned to check on the baby, they discovered it was missing. Shortly afterwards, they saw a stray dog carrying the baby away. Shockingly, witnesses confirmed that stray dogs remained within the hospital compound even after the incident.
Hospital authorities initiate probe
Hospital authorities launched an investigation shortly after receiving information about the incident. Minakshi Maity, the Deputy CMOH of Bishnupur Health District, stated that preliminary findings indicated discrepancies in the family’s allegations, including concerns about the gestational age of the pregnancy. She also claimed that a photo provided by the family to support their account was “fabricated.” However, Priya maintained that she was six months pregnant and denied the claims of incorrect medical records made by local health workers.
Police initiated probe
A heated argument broke out between the family and the hospital staff, prompting the police from Sonamukhi Police Station to launch an investigation. Representatives from the Bishnupur Health District, including two deputy CMOHs, visited the site to conduct an investigation, gather evidence, and interview hospital staff.
BJP called out Mamata Banerjee-led Government
Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT Cell chief, Amit Malviya, took to social media to highlight the victim’s ordeal, describing how a stray dog allegedly took away a premature baby. Terming the incident both appalling and heartbreaking, Malviya criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her Government’s failure to provide adequate medical facilities.
A horrifying incident has emerged from Sonamukhi, West Bengal.
Under the so-called ‘world-class’ leadership of Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, a pregnant woman was forced to give birth in a toilet, after enduring prolonged labor pain, without receiving any medical attention.… pic.twitter.com/tCIpEPic6J
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 19, 2024
Amit Malviya wrote, “A horrifying incident has emerged from Sonamukhi, West Bengal. Under the so-called ‘world-class’ leadership of Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, a pregnant woman was forced to give birth in a toilet after enduring prolonged labour pain, without receiving any medical attention. Tragically, following the delivery, a dog—roaming freely within the premises, where cats and dogs move unchecked—snatched the newborn and ran away with it. Appalling and heartbreaking.”
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