Police in Madhya Pradesh, India, have alleged that a newborn baby boy was buried alive by his grandfather in an attempt to conceal the child's birth.
The incident is said to have taken place in Nandgaon village in the Balaghat district. Police allege the baby's maternal grandfather, identified as Dharasingh Madavi, buried the infant after he was born to the family's unmarried daughter.
Madavi later allegedly attempted to take his own life by consuming pesticide. He remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Discovery after cries heard at night
The alleged incident only came to light after villagers reported hearing the cries of a newborn baby during the night. Police said neighbours questioned the family, but were given evasive replies.
The concerns were then raised with the village sarpanch, the elected head of the local village council, who called a meeting to discuss the matter. During the meeting, an ASHA community health worker reportedly revealed that the family's unmarried daughter had been pregnant for some time.
Body exhumed from manure heap
Police were then informed about the alleged incident. Officers said they received the information on July 31, but heavy rain and darkness meant the baby's body could not be exhumed until August 1.
The infant's body was recovered from a manure heap in the presence of a magistrate, doctors and police officers. Investigators said they found a cloth tied around the baby's mouth and neck.
Police said they suspect the baby may have been suffocated before being buried, although they stressed the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after a post-mortem examination.
