Newborn's body wrapped in leaves: Postmortem report out

PATHANAMTHITTA: The post-mortem report of the newborn baby who was found dead in Mezhuveli has come out. The report indicates that the infant’s death was not a homicide. It identifies a head injury as the cause of death. The autopsy was conducted at Kottayam Medical College Hospital.

The 21-year-old unmarried woman gave birth to the child at around 4 am on Tuesday. She had concealed her pregnancy from her family. The incident came to light later when she sought treatment at a hospital in Chengannur due to heavy bleeding. Hospital authorities promptly informed the police, who then launched an investigation and discovered the infant’s body.

According to the woman’s statement, after delivering the baby at home, she covered the baby’s mouth to prevent crying from being heard. She then wrapped the infant in a large leaf and discarded the body in the yard of a neighbouring house. She also admitted to becoming pregnant through a relationship with her boyfriend.

After delivering the baby in secret, the woman reportedly cut the umbilical cord herself. During this time, she fainted in the bathroom and may have accidentally dropped the newborn, causing the fatal head injury, police suspect. Police have stated that further questioning of the woman is necessary for clarity. They also plan to interrogate her relatives and boyfriend in detail.