News
Baby Found Abandoned in Rice Bag: 1 of 233 Cases Since 2021
A disturbing incident shocked residents of Stanley, Rose-Hill, and the surrounding areas on the 5th August morning. A newborn baby was found abandoned, inside a rice bag, hanging on a gate. The discovery was both shocking and heartbreaking, sparking outrage among the community.
The baby was crying loudly, drawing the attention of passersby. A local resident, curious and concerned, approached the gate and saw the infant wrapped in a blanket.
The baby still had the umbilical cord attached and showed signs of bleeding. Horrified, she alerted authorities immediately.
Emergency services quickly took the newborn to Candos Victoria Hospital for urgent medical care. The child is receiving treatment, and medical staff are preparing to conduct a series of tests to assess her health.
Police and investigative agencies, including the Scene of Crime Office, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Rose-Hill, and the Family Protection Brigade, arrived at the scene.
They are collecting evidence to identify the mother and possibly the father of the baby.
Meanwhile, Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality, visited Victoria Hospital in Candos yesterday afternoon.
She expressed her concern about the incident, saying, “I went to see the baby after hearing she was abandoned in a bag.” She added that she was deeply affected by the case.
The minister assured the public that the baby’s health is being closely monitored and that she will undergo multiple medical tests soon. Efforts are also underway to find a suitable foster family for the child.
Minister Navarre-Marie plans to discuss the issue of newborns being admitted to hospitals for extended periods with her colleague from the Ministry of Health, Anil Bachoo.
Official statistics from 2021 to 2024 show that 233 cases of child abandonment have been reported across the country.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details about this tragic case.
Source: Le Mauricien
