Community Mourns Newborn Found Buried Alive in India

A newborn girl, later named Pari, was discovered buried alive in a rural area of Shahjahanpur, a district in Uttar Pradesh, India. Her rescue on March 15, 2024, has sparked outrage and concern within the community, highlighting deep-rooted issues regarding gender discrimination and the cultural stigma surrounding female infants in the region.

Shyam Babu, a local pig farmer, made the shocking discovery while walking near a river. He initially spotted the child’s arm protruding from the mud, which he first mistook for a doll. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a real infant, wrapped in a towel and covered in dirt and insects. “I could sense a heartbeat,” Babu recounted, describing the moment he found the baby. He immediately alerted the authorities, leading to a swift rescue operation.

The infant, estimated to be around 15 days old, was in critical condition when she was rushed to Shahjahanpur Medical College. Doctors found her suffering from severe infection, respiratory distress, and signs of sepsis. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a pediatrician at the hospital, noted the precarious state of the child, who was blue from lack of oxygen and dangerously underweight at less than 1.7 kilograms (3.7 pounds).

The local police initiated an investigation to locate the parents and uncover a motive for the abandonment. Officer Gourav Tyagi outlined three primary theories: the parents might have believed the sickly child had died, abandoned her due to a physical condition known as syndactyly, or discarded her because of her gender. The latter is a tragic reality in India, where a cultural preference for sons often leads to female infanticide.

In Shahjahanpur, the imbalance in gender ratios is stark. According to the last national census in 2011, there were approximately 872 females for every 1,000 males, a gap wider than the national average, indicating systemic issues. Villagers like Nanhe Singh described the societal pressure on women to bear sons, often leading to severe consequences for those who do not. “A woman faces a lot of difficulty. They do not want girls,” Singh explained, highlighting the rituals women endure to conceive male children.

Despite efforts to combat female feticide, such as the 1994 law prohibiting sex determination of fetuses, illegal practices persist. Activist Sunita Aralikar, who survived being buried alive as a baby herself, emphasized that these incidents reflect a broader cultural issue. She stated, “The association of glory and success with a boy child, and failure and burden with a girl child, cuts across the country.”

As Pari fought for her life in the hospital, her caregivers treated her as family. Dr. Kumar voiced a flicker of hope, stating, “Miracles do happen.” The medical team adopted the name “Pari,” meaning “angel,” in hopes that she would overcome her traumatic start in life. Unfortunately, her condition worsened despite initial improvements. Doctors reported necrosis affecting her face and scalp, necessitating oxygen support and a blood transfusion.

Community response to Pari’s plight has been mixed, with many feeling disheartened by the ongoing issues of gender discrimination. Villager Kamaljeet Kaur characterized the situation as a “systemic issue,” detailing the severe repercussions faced by women who have daughters. “If a woman has daughters, especially a second or a third, her life turns into hell,” Kaur noted, emphasizing the societal pressures that contribute to this tragic reality.

The search for Pari’s parents continues, but as of now, they remain untraceable. Officer Tyagi shared that the police are broadening their investigation. Tragically, after a brief period of hope, Pari succumbed to her injuries, leaving her caregivers devastated. Nurse Sarita Singh expressed her sorrow, stating, “It was hard to unplug all the monitors and let the baby go. We were her family.”

Pari’s story, while heartbreaking, underscores the urgent need for cultural change in India. The Indian government has launched initiatives such as the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign to address gender discrimination, yet critics argue that the impact remains superficial. The campaign’s funding has focused heavily on media advocacy rather than substantial health and education improvements for girls.

As the community mourns the loss of Pari, her story resonates as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by female infants in India. Activists and local leaders continue to advocate for significant changes in societal attitudes towards girls, believing that providing education and opportunities can gradually shift perceptions. The search for Pari’s parents also highlights the need for accountability in a society that still grapples with deeply ingrained biases against female children.

The investigation is ongoing, and as Shyam Babu reflected on his encounter with Pari, he expressed his sorrow at her passing. “I wanted to meet her in the future, strong, growing, healthy,” he said, mourning the potential life that was lost. The community’s hope for change now feels more urgent than ever, as the tragic fate of Pari sheds light on the broader issues of gender inequality and discrimination in India.