The mystery surrounding the three-month-old baby girl found abandoned in a forest near Belalu village, Beltangady, is close to resolution, with police identifying the child’s parents.

Authorities have confirmed that the infant’s father is Ranjith Gowda (27) from Maya, Belalu village, who worked as a security guard in Dharmasthala, while her mother is Sushmitha from Kolangaje, Dharmasthala. Police have taken Ranjith into custody for further investigation.

Reports indicate that Ranjith and Sushmitha were in a relationship, and Sushmitha recently gave birth. A few days post-delivery, she entrusted the baby to Ranjith, who, on March 22, allegedly abandoned the child in the forest before leaving the area.

The infant was discovered by locals in the wooded area of Belalu, who promptly rescued and provided her with care. Authorities, including Dharmasthala police and officials from the women and child welfare department, later took charge of the baby and transferred her to a care center in Puttur.