In a dramatic eight-hour rescue operation, over 40 Odisha fire service, disaster response personnel and a special aircraft carrying critical equipment, successfully saved a newborn girl allegedly abandoned inside a borewell in Laripali village, Sambalpur district on Tuesday.
The rescue mission began when locals heard the cries of the infant from the abandoned borewell, prompting a swift response from the police. A team of doctors was deployed to the site, offering oxygen and medical aid to the baby, who was stuck at a depth of around 20 feet.
To reach the trapped infant, three excavators worked tirelessly to dig a parallel pit of the same depth, while electric cutters were employed to carefully cut through the borewell’s iron pipe. Moreover, the rescue team exercised utmost caution to ensure her safety during the operation.
The Chief Minister had also closely monitored the operation, emphasizing the guiding principle that ‘every life is precious.’ A special aircraft, under his directives, ferried essential equipment, including the crucial ‘victim location camera’ which played a crucial role in determining the infant’s precise location and condition.
The rescued baby received immediate preliminary treatment on-site and was swiftly transported to VIMSAR, Burla, where a specialized team of doctors was on standby. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed relief, stating, “It’s a matter of great relief. I wish a long life for the baby. May God bless her.”
Fire service DG Sudhansu Sarangi highlighted the challenges of the rescue, stating, “Since the baby was stuck inside the borewell pipe, safe rescue was a big challenge. Utmost caution was taken while cutting the pipe so the baby won’t get hurt. The rescue team also made every attempt to ensure she does not fall further.”
Meanwhile, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo announced an investigation to identify and locate the person responsible for dumping the newborn girl.
