Newborn Found Buried Alive in India Sparks Outrage and Inquiry

In a harrowing case that has shocked a community in north India, a newborn baby girl, later named Pari, was discovered buried alive near a river in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The baby, who is believed to be around 15 days old, was found by local pig farmer Shyam Babu last month. He initially spotted her tiny arm protruding from the mud, a sight that evoked horror and disbelief. Covered in dirt and suffering from injuries, she was rushed to Shahjahanpur Medical College for urgent medical care.

Babu described the moment of discovery, stating, “I realized the child was alive… Someone had buried a baby alive.” After raising the alarm, a crowd gathered, and a policeman dug her out from beneath a foot of packed earth. As she emerged, Pari was gasping for air, her mouth and nostrils blocked with dirt. Doctors reported she arrived with severe infections, respiratory distress, and possible sepsis.

Local police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding her burial, with officer Gourav Tyagi outlining three potential theories regarding her abandonment. It is possible that her parents believed she was stillborn, or they may have abandoned her due to a congenital condition known as syndactyly, which affects her fingers. Another possibility is that she was a victim of female infanticide, a tragic reflection of the cultural preference for male children in India.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a pediatrician at the hospital, noted that while he had encountered similar cases, they often involved boys. He expressed concern over the societal pressures that lead to such dire situations. In the neonatal intensive care unit, Pari’s survival became a focal point of hope. Initially, her condition was precarious; she was severely malnourished and required intensive care.

As the days progressed, medical staff dedicated themselves to her care. “Miracles do happen,” Dr. Kumar said, reflecting on the team’s determination to nurture Pari back to health. They named her Pari, meaning “angel” in Hindi, as they treated her as part of their family.

Shahjahanpur is predominantly rural, with approximately three million residents primarily engaged in agriculture. The district has long struggled with gender imbalances; the last census in 2011 reported only 872 females for every 1,000 males. This disparity is attributed to deep-rooted cultural norms that value sons over daughters.

Local activist Sunita Aralikar, who survived a similar ordeal as an infant, emphasizes that societal attitudes towards female children have not significantly changed. She pointed out that many families still exert pressure on women to produce male heirs, often resorting to illegal gender determination tests and sex-selective abortions despite the law prohibiting such practices.

In interviews with various locals, the cultural stigma surrounding female children became evident. Kamaljeet Kaur, a health volunteer, described the systemic nature of this discrimination, stating that women often face severe repercussions for giving birth to daughters. “If a woman has daughters, especially a second or third, her life turns into hell,” Kaur explained.

The tragic reality of gender discrimination in the region extends beyond individual cases. Reports indicate a grim pattern across Uttar Pradesh, where instances of abandoned female infants are becoming increasingly common. In November of the previous year, another baby girl was found abandoned by the roadside, raising alarms about the ongoing issue of female infanticide.

Despite efforts by the Indian government, including the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign launched in 2015, progress has been slow. While there has been some improvement in the sex ratio at birth and enrollment rates for girls in education, many believe the campaign has not led to substantial changes in societal attitudes. Critics argue that funds have been disproportionately allocated to media promotion instead of effective grassroots initiatives.

The aftermath of Pari’s death underscores how deeply entrenched gender biases continue to persist. Following her passing, which was confirmed by medical staff after her condition deteriorated, the silence from national media was deafening. While the local community reacted with shock, the broader implications of her story have not ignited the outrage it deserves.

As the investigation continues, officer Tyagi confirmed that efforts to locate Pari’s parents are ongoing. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the cultural barriers that perpetuate gender discrimination in India. Babu, the man who discovered her, reflected on the emotional toll of the situation, expressing his hope for Pari’s future and lamenting her untimely death.

“I wanted to meet her in the future. Strong, growing, healthy,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I took her out of the soil, but she has returned to it.”

In the face of such adversity, the need for societal change is urgent, with activists like Aralikar advocating for more opportunities for women and a fundamental shift in perceptions regarding the value of female children.