Two-day-old girl abandoned in Panvel; parents cite poverty

The newborn, found in a basket outside a girls' orphanage, is safe; local MLA promises full support

- G Mohiuddin Jeddy

PANVEL: A two-day-old girl was found abandoned in a basket outside a girls' orphanage in Panvel's Takka area early Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting swift action from authorities. The newborn, left on the pavement with a bottle, a sachet of milk powder, and a handwritten note, is now safe and under medical care — but the circumstances of her abandonment have left the residents grappling with a mix of sadness and anger.

According to police, the note, penned in English and placed beside the baby, is written by her parents. It cites "mental and financial" hardship as the reason they could not raise the child, and pleads for compassion.

The baby was first discovered around 6:30 am by residents living near the orphanage, who were drawn by the sound of soft cries coming from the street.