In a deeply distressing incident, a 19-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man were arrested in Maharashtra’s Parbhani district after allegedly throwing a newborn baby out of a moving private bus, leading to the infant’s death. The shocking event unfolded around 6:30 am on Tuesday, as the couple—Ritika Dhere and Altaf Shaikh—were traveling from Pune to Parbhani.
According to police reports:
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The woman, Ritika, went into labour during the journey and delivered the baby on board.
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Shortly after the birth, the couple—who were in an inter-caste live-in relationship—allegedly threw the newborn out of the window as the bus neared Pathri town.
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A female co-passenger witnessed the act and immediately informed the police.
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The bus was intercepted in Parbhani, and both accused were detained.
Police have confirmed the baby had died. A case has been filed under Sections 94(3) and 94(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to the concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body.
While Ritika Dhere has been admitted to Parbhani Government Hospital for medical treatment post-delivery, Altaf Shaikh remains in police custody.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the act was premeditated or carried out under duress. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for better awareness around reproductive rights, social stigma, and mental health support for young couples in crisis.
