Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Feb 28: A brave intervention by social worker Nityananda Olakadu saved an infant from a potentially dangerous situation when the child was being physically mistreated by a couple allegedly under the influence of alcohol on Wednesday.

The incident occurred near George Fernandes Road, which connects to Indrali railway station, when Shweta Poojary noticed the couple violently handling the hungry child and immediately alerted Olakadu.

Rushing to the scene, Olakadu transported the infant and a toddler in an ambulance to Udupi Mother and Child Hospital for treatment. “The children were in a critical condition and needed urgent medical attention,” a hospital official said.

Details of the incident were then reported to the City Women’s police station, Sakhi Centre, and Child Helpline.

Officials visited the hospital to assess the children’s condition. Following due legal procedures, the children were placed under the care of the Udupi District Child Protection Unit.

Subsequently, in accordance with orders from the Children’s Welfare Committee in Doddanagudde, the infant was handed over to the Krishna Anugraha Adoption Centre in Lakshminagar.

The child’s mother has been provided rehabilitation at the State Women’s Shelter in Nittur. The father reportedly fled the scene out of fear.

The couple has been identified as Shobha and Raju, residents of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Reports indicate that five days earlier, the child’s elder sibling had been hospitalised at Byndoor Government Hospital, and there are allegations that the father attempted to assault the child.

The operation involved personnel from the City Women’s police station, Ramya Vidya of the Child Protection Unit, and staff from the Sakhi Centre, who ensured the safety and well-being of the children.