In a shocking case in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district, a 19-year-old woman had given birth to a baby boy on a moving sleeper coach bus and afterwards, along with a man who said he was her husband, hurled the newborn out of the window of the bus, killing the baby.
Incident Details and Initial Cover-Up
The ordeal happened at about 6:30 AM on Tuesday along the Pathri-Selu Road. The pair first attempted to deceive others by saying the woman had vomited out of the window. But a keen observer who saw something thrown out of the bus window spotted the wrapped newborn and promptly informed local police by calling the emergency helpline.
Couple’s Account and Police Response
The woman, Ritika Dhere, was on her way from Pune to Parbhani along with Altaf Shaikh, who claimed to be her husband, reports PTI citing police reports. During the journey in the Sant Prayag Travels sleeper bus, Ritika developed labor pains and gave birth to a baby boy. The couple, instead of looking for assistance, wrapped up the newborn in a cloth and threw him off the bus as it was in motion.
The driver of the bus grew suspicious when an item was tossed out the window and asked the man, whose excuse was that it was vomit due to the nausea of the woman.
Police Chase and Arrest
When alerted by a citizen, police immediately pursued the bus and arrested the couple after an initial inquiry. The couple conceded that they dumped the child because they could not raise him. Sadly, the drop was deadly for the infant.
Background and Legal Action
The police have confirmed that Ritika and Altaf are both from Parbhani but have been residing in Pune for a year and a half. They may have pretended to be married, yet they could not present any evidence.
Ritika was taken to hospital for medical attention following her arrest. The pair are accused under sections 94(3) and (5) of the Bombay Nursing Services Act (concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body). The probe is ongoing.
Public Outcry and Ongoing Probe
The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about the circumstances leading to such a tragic act. Authorities continue to probe the incident as the couple faces legal proceedings for their actions.
