Residents of Gopiguda village in Nabarangpur district were stunned on Monday morning when they found a newborn baby boy abandoned near Ghiakhandi pond.
Wrapped in a colored cloth, the infant was spotted by locals around 5 a.m. during their daily routine.
Alerted villagers immediately informed Maidalpur police, who rushed to the spot and rescued the child. The baby was admitted to Maidalpur Health Centre, where doctors confirmed his condition is stable.
Community members suspect the infant may have been abandoned following an illicit relationship, though the parents remain unidentified. The incident has sparked outrage, with intellectuals and villagers demanding a high-level police investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the abandonment.
This case highlights a disturbing pattern in undivided Koraput district, where newborns are frequently found abandoned near roadsides or secluded areas. Authorities face mounting pressure to address the issue and ensure justice for the vulnerable children.