Mumbai: The body of a newborn baby was discovered in a bin inside a washroom at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Terminal 2 on Tuesday night, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which they believe is the first of its kind in the country.
Discovery of the Infant
Housekeeping staff found the newborn inside the bin of a family restroom located in the domestic boarding area near gates 43 and 44. The staff immediately alerted the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and airport officials, who then informed the local police.
“The body was of a full-term male child,” said Maneesh Kalwaniya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Zone 8.
Legal Action and Investigation
A case has been registered under Sections 91 and 94 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- Section 91 pertains to acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive or causing its death after birth, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
- Section 94 deals with concealing a birth by secretly disposing of the body, punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment.
The Sahar police transported the newborn to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed the infant was already deceased. The body was then sent for post-mortem at Cooper Hospital in Vile Parle to determine the exact cause of death.
Possible Suspects and Investigation Leads
An airline official noted that pregnant women in their final month are not permitted to fly, raising suspicions that the infant may not have been abandoned by a passenger but possibly by an airport staff member.
“Airlines require medical clearance for pregnant travelers, and no Indian airline allows women in their ninth month to board a flight,” the official said.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the airport and coordinating with airlines to examine passenger lists in an effort to identify the suspect.
Official Statement
A CSMIA spokesperson confirmed the incident but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing police investigation.
