A tragic incident unfolded in the Sihani Gate area of Ghaziabad on Friday night after the body of a newborn girl was discovered on the terrace of a neighbouring house. Police have said that the infant’s 19-year-old mother admitted to throwing the body from the roof of her residence out of fear, believing the child to be stillborn

Body discovered on second-floor terrace

According to the police, the incident came to light around 9 pm when residents of Nehru Nagar reported finding the body of an infant girl on the second-floor terrace of their house. A police team immediately reached the location, cordoned off the site and called in forensic experts to assist with the inspection.

DCP (City) Dhawal Jaiswal confirmed that the body had been sent for post-mortem. “Police reached the spot and inspected the incident site. A forensic team was also called for the investigation, and cops sent the body for autopsy. Both reports are awaited,” he said.

The autopsy is expected to determine whether the baby was indeed stillborn or alive at birth—an important factor that will determine the legal course of action.

Mother traced during investigation

Initial enquiries led the police to a 19-year-old woman living in an adjoining house. She had recently arrived to stay with her sister. During questioning, she told officers that she had given birth around 6 am the same day but believed the child had been stillborn.

She claimed that out of panic and lack of awareness, she and her family did not inform doctors or authorities. Instead, they attempted to dispose of the body by throwing it from the roof towards an empty plot nearby. However, the body landed on a neighbour’s terrace, where it was discovered later in the evening.

Police said the woman maintained that she was married, though details are still being verified.

Police examining timeline, circumstances

Officers are now piecing together the timeline between the reported birth at 6 am and the discovery at 9 pm. Investigators are also examining:

  • the physical condition of the newborn,
  • whether the delivery occurred without medical assistance,
  • and whether the act was carried out solely by the mother or involved others.

A senior officer said an FIR would be registered once autopsy results confirm whether the baby was born alive. Charges could vary from negligence to infanticide, depending on findings.

Concerns around unassisted childbirth and lack of awareness

The case highlights broader concerns around unreported pregnancies, unassisted home births and lack of awareness among young women regarding post-delivery care. Health officials note that even in urban areas, stigma, fear and isolation can lead vulnerable women to conceal pregnancies and avoid medical help.

Women’s rights groups have repeatedly pointed out the need for:

  • accessible maternal health services,
  • community counselling,
  • and non-judgemental support systems for young mothers.

Health workers in Ghaziabad say that cases involving unreported births and unsafe disposal of infants, although not frequent, underscore gaps in awareness and social support.

(For related reports on women’s safety and community issues, see:
Cases of distress among vulnerable women rise in urban areas
How local communities are strengthening support for young mothers)

Autopsy report to determine next steps

Police emphasised that the investigation remains open and that a clear picture will emerge only after forensic and medical reports are received. The body is currently with the authorities, and officers expect the autopsy to determine:

  • whether the baby breathed after birth,
  • the cause of death,
  • and whether any injuries occurred before or after the fall.

Based on these findings, legal proceedings will be initiated.

Residents in the neighbourhood expressed shock over the incident, with many stating that they had not noticed any signs of distress earlier in the day.