Mahila Commission hands over child to foster parents

Hyderabad, Jun 19 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Women's Commission, arbitrating on a dispute between two women on the custody of a girl child, today decided to hand her over to the foster parents in view of the mental condition of the child's mother.

The child is the daughter of Nazia Banu, a settler from Kerala, who is said to be mentally ill. Swaroopa and her husband Bhikshapati took care of the child when Nazia left her on the road and left Hyderabad a year ago.

She had recently come back to the city and claimed custody of the child.

Swaroopa, who had grown dond of the child, refused to give her back. She even threatened to commit suicide if the child was taken away from her.

Nazia Banu lodged a complaint with the Sanjivareddy Nagar Police, who decided to keep the child temporarily with the foster parents in view of complainant's condition.

Taking cognizance of the newspaper reports, the Andhra Pradesh State Mahila Commission summoned both parties and the Sanjivareddy Nagar police for inquiry today.

Commission Chairperson Mary Ravindranath told newspersons that it decided the child would be safe in the custody of the foster parents, for the present.

The Commission also directed the administration to send Nazia Banu for medical examination to assess her mental condition. It however, permitted Nazizto visit the child whenever she desired.

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