A cloud of suspicion hangs over the Anantapur Sishu Gruha, a government-run child home, after the untimely death of a two-month-old baby boy. The incident, which reportedly occurred a few days prior, only came to light on October 4, 2025, when it was revealed that staff had buried the infant’s body. In response, M. Venugopal Reddy, the Director of Women Development and Child Welfare (WD&CW), is scheduled to visit the facility.
The Director is expected to arrive at the Sishu Gruha on October 6 (Monday) to personally interrogate the staff members who were on duty during the time of the infant’s death. He confirmed on Sunday that the baby boy had been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) by his mother on August 30, before being placed at the Anantapur Sishu Gruha.
Reddy stated that a comprehensive departmental inquiry would delve into crucial questions: Were the Sishu Gruha manager, ayahs, and other personnel prompt in notifying the WD&CW Anantapur district Project Director, the CWC, and the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) about the baby’s health condition? Was timely medical assistance provided? And were proper protocols followed following the infant’s death?
He further added that a joint team comprising officials from the Women Development and Child Welfare department and Medical and Health officers had already initiated an investigation into the infant’s demise.