Kottayam: The maternity ward of the Kottayam Medical College Hospital was on tenterhooks for a few hours after a newborn was stolen by a woman in the guise of a nurse.
However, just over an hour later the baby was found from the vicinity in possession of a woman, who has been taken into custody.
The incident had come to light after a Mundakayam native who had delivered three days ago reached the nurses' station enquiring about her baby that was taken away by 'a woman dressed as a nurse'.
According to Manorama News, a 'nurse' had taken the baby for phototherapy to treat newborn jaundice. However, the mother grew suspicious after the baby was not returned even after 30 minutes.
The police had nabbed the baby thief from a hotel near the hospital. Bystanders at the hospital told Manorama News that the woman who took the baby had been seen in the premises since Wednesday.
The accused was identified as Neethu Raj, a native of Thiruvalla.
'No racket involved'
Kottayam district police chief, D Shilpa has ruled out the possibility of a racket behind the incident. The officer said that the woman was acting alone. Neethu reportedly told the police that she had stolen the baby with the intention of selling it to overcome financial problems.
A taxi driver's timely intervention
As soon as it was known that a newborn had gone missing from the Medical College Hospital here, the police had started searching the locality.
Fortunately, it wasn't just the cops who were vigilant. Alex, a taxi driver in the neighbourhood, was also aware of the development.
The accused, Neethu Raj had been staying at a hotel less than 300 metres from the hospital. According to hotel owner, Sabu Cyriac, she had an young boy with her and they were staying there since January 4.
On Thursday, receptionist Nimmy noticed that Neethu was holding a baby when she returned. Soon, Neethu called the reception and said she was checking out and wanted them to arrange a taxi.
Nimmy dialled Alex, who was told that a woman who had a baby wanted a ride. Soon, Alex and Nimmy pieced together the information and informed the hotel owner, who called the police leading to Neethu's arrest.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that the CCTV at the hospital was not functioning.
According to a police source, a boy was also found with the child. The accused is being questioned.
Hospital authorities have refused to acknowledge the incident as a security lapse. It is being alleged that recently, the accused was let off with a warning for entering the dental college premises in a health worker's uniform.
