Couple held for begging with 'stolen' baby

Warangal, Aug 15: The Andhra Pradesh police has arrested a couple for allegedly begging with a 'stolen' baby here at Hanmakonda. Police said, Latha (25) of Jayagiri village in Hasanparti mandal, gave birth to a baby boy at Hanumakonda Government Maternity Hospital eight days ago. The baby went missing since Sunday night.

Yesterday, morning, Latha's husband Kushudu and relatives staged a dharna on the hospital premises accusing the hospital staff in this regard and demanded action against the hospital.

Hanmakonda Sub Inspector J Surender Reddy and his team reached the spot and made inquiries with the hospital staff and Latha's relatives.

In the melee, a local rag-picker R Mallesh came to the police and said he and his wife Laxmi found a baby outside the hospital. Taking pity on the child, Laxmi took the baby and went for begging. The police picked up Laxmi and recovered the baby and gave it to its parents.

As part of the preliminary inquiry police arrested the couple for allegedly stealing the new-born.An investigation is under way.

UNI