Bhagalpur: A mentally ill woman gave birth by a roadside in Bhagalpur’s Naugachia sub-division on Friday and killed the newborn shortly after.The woman, who had been wandering the streets of Naugachia for over two years, delivered the baby under a tree near Pakda Acharya Tola in Lakshmipur Gosain village, under Naugachia Model police station. She then threw the newborn onto the pavement, killing the infant.Witnesses said the woman continued roaming the area with the body in her arms until late Friday night, when residents noticed her and alerted authorities.Confirming the incident, Naugachia Model police station SHO (incharge) Arvind Kumar said, “The matter came to our notice on Friday night, and we initiated an investigation immediately. The woman has been admitted to the sub-divisional health centre for treatment and remains under police custody. The post-mortem of the newborn is being conducted today, and further legal action will be taken based on the medical findings and cross-examination of local witnesses.” He said a Forensic Science Laboratory team may also assist in the investigation.The incident sparked concern over the woman’s vulnerability and rehabilitation. Zila Parishad member Gourav Rai demanded a probe into how she became pregnant and suspected sexual abuse. He also questioned the lack of institutional arrangements for her safety.Naugachia administration sources said attempts, including in 2025, had been made to hospitalise and treat her, but she repeatedly escaped and returned to the streets. The SDO and SDPO said the matter was being investigated.
