Palakkad: A woman who abandoned her newborn in a stream in a jungle in Attappadi has been handed a 5-year jail term and Rs 10, 000 fine. Marataka (52), native of Kottamedu, Agali, was sentenced by the Palakkad Additional Sessions Court (I) for a crime committed in August 2012.

Marataka had thrown the kid soon after delivery into the 12-foot-deep stream. The child stayed alive for two days in the jungle. A herdswoman heard the cries of a child and alerted local and Agali Police.

The infant was found in a thorny bush with infested wounds. The child was taken to Agali primary health centre and subsequently to Kottathara Tribal Specialty Hospital by the police. The child was then handed over to the Providence Home in Malampuzha through Child Protection Council once it retained proper health.

The police named her Swatantra since she was rescued on Independence Day. The case registered by Agali Police was brought to a logical conclusion using forensics including DNA tests.