KOCHI: A newborn baby reportedly sold to an elderly woman has been rescued in Ernakulam. The baby, abandoned by its mother and her boyfriend from Aluva, was recovered early today by Kalamassery police from a house in Muppathadam. Police have registered a case, naming the mother as the first accused and her boyfriend, John Thomas, as the second accused. According to information received, the Aluva native woman allegedly handed over the baby — born from her relationship with her male partner — to another person.

The woman got admitted to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital on June 26 and delivered the baby the same day. Fearing social stigma, she reportedly handed the baby to someone else. The police launched the investigation after receiving a tip-off that the newborn’s life could be in danger. Subsequently, the woman and her boyfriend were taken into custody from a flat in Muppathadam. During questioning, they revealed the baby’s location at a house in Muppathadam.

The newborn is currently under care at Kalamassery Medical College. The mother, who reportedly has health issues, has been shifted to a women’s shelter after treatment. She is separated from her husband and already has two other children.