On the evening of May 24, 2025, Mumbai’s Parksite Police Station officials intercepted a 28-year-old man, Dashrath Shivsaran, who was carrying a newborn girl wrapped in a cloth near the Bharat Petrol Pump at Gandhinagar junction. Upon questioning, Shivsaran revealed that the infant was his daughter, born from an illicit relationship with his aunt.
Recognising the urgency, the police immediately alerted the Nirbhaya Squad and coordinated with the Bhandup Police to locate the mother. Both mother and child were safely admitted to Rajawadi Hospital for medical care.
A case has been registered against Shivsaran under section 91 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this troubling case.
Police Vigilance and Swift Action Prevent Potential Tragedy
The incident began when constable Satish Sasane, on routine patrol duty, noticed a man in an auto rickshaw carrying a suspicious bundle wrapped in a dirty cloth. Trusting his instincts, Sasane stopped the vehicle and discovered the bundle was a newborn baby girl. When questioned, the man, identified as Dashrath Shivsaran from Bhandup, confessed that the infant was his daughter, born just hours earlier at his residence.
Shivsaran admitted that the child was the result of a four-year illicit relationship with his aunt, a fact he had kept hidden due to fear of social stigma and repercussions. He intended to abandon the newborn, misleading his aunt by saying he was taking the baby to a friend’s house in Powai.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the police swiftly alerted the Nirbhaya Squad — a specialised unit dedicated to women’s safety — and coordinated with the Bhandup Police to locate the mother. Both mother and child were immediately taken to Rajawadi Hospital, where doctors confirmed they were stable and receiving appropriate care.
Senior Inspector Santosh Ghatekar of Parksite Police Station emphasised the importance of vigilance, stating, “Our prompt action ensured the safety of both mother and child. Cases like these remind us of the need for community awareness and timely intervention.”
Context and Social Implications: Hidden Relationships and the Burden of Stigma
This case sheds light on the complex social dynamics and pressures that often lead to secrecy and desperate actions. Shivsaran, who had recently married, had been living with his aunt for the past four years. The birth of the child from this illicit relationship placed him in a difficult position, fearing social ostracism and legal consequences.
Such situations are not isolated, reflecting a broader societal challenge where individuals involved in non-traditional relationships often face severe stigma, pushing them to hide pregnancies or abandon newborns.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered under section 91 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with intent to prevent birth or cause death. The ongoing investigation aims to understand the full circumstances and provide justice while ensuring the welfare of the mother and child.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This distressing incident is a stark reminder of how social stigma and fear can drive individuals to take drastic and dangerous steps, often putting innocent lives at risk. The swift and compassionate response by the Mumbai Police and the Nirbhaya Squad exemplifies the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting vulnerable members of society.
However, beyond policing, this case calls for a deeper societal reflection on the need to foster empathy, open dialogue, and support systems for those facing unconventional or difficult circumstances. It is imperative that communities create safe spaces where women and children can seek help without fear of judgment or reprisal.
As we consider this story, we invite our readers to reflect: How can we, as a society, dismantle the barriers of stigma and ensure that every mother and child receives the dignity, care, and protection they deserve?
