SAMBALPUR: THE child swapping case at VSS Institute ofMedical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, was resolved after the police received the DNA test report on Thursday. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Sambalpur, handed over the 24-day-old-child to her biological parents Gagan Bihari Patra and Rina of Podakhol village under Kisinda police limits in the district. Rina had given birth to a girl child at Naktideul CHC on May 17 but as the baby did not cry after delivery, she was referred to VIMSAR. The baby was admitted to bed No.16 in SNCU of VIMSAR on May 21.
Similarly, another couple, Sanjukta and Sudam Bhoi of Bhaunripathar in Boudh district, had admitted their baby girl to the SNCU and she was kept on bed No.17. Unfortunately, the child on bed No. 16 succumbed on May 21 evening. Subsequently, the Patra couple alleged that their child had been swapped with the baby of Bhoi couple and that the dead child was not theirs. Patra said the girl child initially shared bed No. 13 with another baby. She was later shifted to bed 16 and SNCU staff informed Patra on May 21 evening that his daughter had died. However, when he went inside the SNCU, Patra found his daughter alive on bed No. 17. When he informed the SNCU staff, they refused to entertain his complaint. Burla SDPO Abakash Routray said the DNAreport ascertained that the child belonged to Patra couple. He added that the police would write to the Superintendent of VIMSAR and recommend action against those found responsible for dereliction of duty.
VIMSAR Superintendent Braja Mohan Mishra said they are yet to receive official communication regarding the DNA report. However, a committee will be formed to inquire into the baby swapping incident and appropriate action would be initiated.
Case details
Rina Patra had given birth to a girl child at Naktideul CHC on May 17
The baby was admitted to bed no 16 in SNCU of VIMSAR on May 21
Another couple of Boudh district had admitted their baby girl to SNCU and she was kept on bed no 17
The child on bed no 16 succumbed on May 21 evening
Patra couple alleged that their child had been swapped