Newborn kidnap attempt foiled at Karnataka's govt hospital; one suspect caught

Raichur: An alleged attempt to kidnap a newborn from the government hospital in Raichur was foiled by alert attendants and visitors, police said on Thursday.

A group of individuals—reportedly in saris—entered the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in the early hours of Wednesday and targeted the maternity ward on the fourth floor, taking advantage of the fact that most attendants were asleep.

One of the suspects allegedly attempted to abduct a newborn, but nearby attendants grew suspicious and intervened. The person, disguised as a woman, was caught after a brief scuffle and handed over to the police.

Two others are believed to have been part of the group involved in the attempted kidnapping, but they managed to flee the scene, police added.

Eyewitnesses expressed concern over the absence of home guard personnel, who were reportedly not on duty at the time of the incident.

The apprehended suspect was later handed over to the Market Police Station by the public.

An investigation is underway.