Body of newborn found in backwaters in Kochi

Ernakulam Central police launched an investigation after the body of a newborn baby was found in backwaters near Marine Drive on Tuesday evening.

The body was spotted near the Rainbow Bridge around 4 p.m. Initial examination suggested that the baby may have been born prematurely, at seven months old, with the umbilical cord still attached. A visible injury was found on the baby’s head, but police said it was unclear whether this occurred before or after the body hit the water.

Based on the state of decomposition, police estimate the body was at least 24 hours old. Local residents stated that the area was clean in the morning, leading to the suspicion that the body might have been dragged towards the shore due to the rising waters in the evening.

Police have registered a case and are examining hospital and clinic records regarding new births, especially premature births. The body was sent to Ernakulam Government Medical College in Kalamassery for post-mortem.