Guwahati Newborn Case: Father Denies River Disposal Claim, Says He Was Taking Body Home for 'Janazah'

Guwahati: A man carrying the body of a newborn on a Rapido bike taxi was detained by police in Guwahati on Wednesday after the driver grew suspicious and alerted officials, triggering widespread rumours that he was attempting to dispose of the body in the Brahmaputra River.

The incident occurred along GS Road when the man, identified as Mamruj Hussain of Borbheti in Dhing under Nagaon district, allegedly hired a bike taxi operated by Rapido to transport the infant’s body.

Initial reports suggested that the man had offered extra money to the rider to help him dispose of the body in the Brahmaputra River. However, police officials have not confirmed these allegations and stated that the matter is under investigation.

According to preliminary information, Hussain had completed all necessary formalities at a private hospital in Guwahati, where his wife remains admitted. Speaking to the media, Hussain said the newborn had died in the womb prior to delivery.

“My parents asked me to bring the baby home to perform the funeral rites. I had no cash to travel back to my village, so I booked a Rapido to go to the railway station. When members of the public stopped me and asked what I was carrying, I told them it was my baby and that I was taking the body home for the funeral,” Hussain said.

“I am a poor person and had no money. The public took me to the police station. After understanding my condition, the officer-in-charge gave me some money to travel,” he added.

Refuting allegations that he intended to dispose of the body, Hussain said,

“The Rapido driver tried to frame me. My religion is Islam and we perform ‘Janazah’ after death. Why would I throw my own baby into the Brahmaputra? I have all the documents to prove the baby is mine, and my wife is still undergoing treatment. I am not even sure whether I will be able to save her,” he said, breaking down in tears.

Police from Dispur Police Station intercepted Hussain following the driver’s alert and brought him in for questioning. After verifying hospital documents and other relevant papers, officials allowed him to proceed.

During preliminary questioning, Hussain identified himself as the father of the deceased newborn. Police stated that verification of his claims, as well as the exact cause of the infant’s death, is ongoing.

Hussain later performed the Janazah and is expected to arrange funds to return to Guwahati to bring his wife home once she is discharged from the hospital.

Meanwhile, the police officials have launched a detailed probe to ascertain the exact sequence of events and to determine whether there was any attempt to unlawfully dispose of the body or if the episode stemmed from a misunderstanding.

Further investigation is underway.

Also Read: SHOCKING: Assam Man Held After Allegedly Hiring Rapido to Dispose of Child’s Body in Brahmaputra