SHILLONG, May 9, 2026 — The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has urged greater public awareness and the empowerment of women after a newborn buried alive was rescued in Ri-Bhoi district on April 27, 2026. The infant, found by schoolchildren in loose mud in Mawhati, was rushed to Nongpoh Civil Hospital for medical care, and a case has been registered at the Nongpoh Women Police Station as an investigation continues.
SCPCR Chairperson Agatha Sangma, speaking to reporters on Saturday in Shillong, said the commission is considering a study into newborn abandonment if such incidents become more frequent in the state. “If cases reach an alarming level, the commission may conduct a study,” Sangma said, underlining the need to understand and address underlying causes.
Referring to the Ri-Bhoi incident, Sangma said the mother “appeared to have acted out of panic,” and stressed that prevention requires both education and stronger support systems for women. She described the episode as a rare occurrence in Meghalaya but warned that even isolated cases point to gaps in awareness, health services and social support that need attention.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the April 27 rescue while child-rights advocates and officials reiterate calls for community vigilance, improved maternal support and outreach programmes aimed at preventing abandonment and protecting vulnerable newborns.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/10/scpcr-calls-for-awareness-after-ri-bhoi-newborn-burial-incident/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-05-10 02:40:00
