Alert residents helped the police nab a 24-year-old woman who had stolen a newborn girl from the Vani Vilas Hospital on Wednesday. The accused has been identified as Devi Bai, a resident of Bhovi Colony, living with her husband who worked as a labourer.
According to the police, she did not have children and wanted to adopt one. When she went to the hospital on Wednesday, she started a conversation with Heena Devi, grandmother of the baby. When Heena Devi wanted to go the washroom, she left the baby with Devi Bai. Making use of the opportunity, Devi Bai escaped with the baby and returned home. On Friday, the news of the missing baby spread, catching the attention of the neighbours of Devi Bai.
Upon enquiry, Devi Bai tried to misguide them stating that the baby belonged to one of her relatives. Growing suspicious, neighbours alerted the Basaveshwarnagar police who questioned Devi Bai and she confessed to the crime.
Soon the police alerted their Victoria Hospital counterparts who rushed to the spot and confirmed the identity of the baby. The family also recognised the baby and Devi Bai, who met Heena Bai minutes before she stole the baby.
Devi Bai has been remanded in judicial custody while the baby was handed over to the family.
