NEW DELHI: An abandoned stillborn baby was found an Imphal-New Delhi AirAsia flight on Wednesday.
The airline in a statement confirmed that the body of the baby was found 'abandoned and lifeless' in one of the plane's toilets when the aircraft was being prepared for landing.
According to sources, the infant was found with its mouth stuffed with toilet paper. AirAsia said that a medical examination was conducted on the woman suspected to be the mother by a doctor at the New Delhi airport and also confirmed that the baby had been delivered onboard.
Sources said that the woman, who is suspected to be the mother, is a 19-year-old. The Delhi Police said that they were informed about the baby by a manager of AirAsia and cops boarded the aircraft once it landed.
"The baby's mother is believed to have boarded the flight from Guwahati," a senior police officer said and added that investigations are on to prove if it is a case of forced abortion.
According to an AirAsia statement, after questioning of all female passengers, a suspect was held back by the police for further questioning.
Sanjay Bhatia, DCP (airport) of Delhi Police, said that police was informed about by an AirAsia flight manager that 'during journey a foetus was found in the lavatory. Police officials were then dispatched to the aircraft, which docked at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, DCP Bhatia said, adding that initial probe suggests that the baby was delivered stillborn.
The matter has been reported to the DGCA, the airline said. "We will be assisting in the investigation and cooperating with all concerned agencies. AirAsia India would like to apologise to all guests experiencing disruptions in their flight schedule," it added.