A formal investigation has been launched into the tragic death of an 18-month-old boy at the Shishu Gruha (children’s home) in Anantapur. The probe was initiated after allegations surfaced that the infant’s body was quickly buried without proper notification to higher authorities.
Sources indicate that the baby was brought to the Women and Child Welfare department on September 30 by his mother from Kalyandurg, who cited severe financial hardship as her reason for being unable to care for him. The child, born underweight, had already been undergoing treatment for various health complications.
After adhering to all necessary legal protocols, the boy was officially placed under the department’s care and transferred to the Shishu Gruha in Anantapur. Subsequently, he was admitted to the Anantapur Government General Hospital to receive additional medical attention.
M. Nagamani, the ICDS Project Director, confirmed to The Hindu that the infant tragically succumbed to diarrhea on Dasara, October 2. It’s reported that Shishu Gruha officials communicated the death to the district collector and ICDS Project Officer via WhatsApp, proceeding with the final rites the following morning.
The lack of proper notification to senior officials before conducting the baby’s final rites brought the entire situation to light. In response, Collector O. Anand promptly ordered a comprehensive inquiry, requesting a detailed report on both the cause of death and all subsequent actions, according to Ms. Nagamani.
Ms. Nagamani further stated that Shishu Gruha officials had previously requested the Government General Hospital (GGH) doctors to admit the baby for treatment just two days prior. However, the child was reportedly sent back to the shelter after doctors assessed his condition as stable.
In the wake of this unfortunate event, significant tensions have reportedly erupted among the Shishu Gruha staff, with the manager and ayahs trading accusations. “We have issued official memos to both the manager and the ayahs concerning this incident,” Ms. Nagamani confirmed.