Atmaja unites with mother

Emotional scenes were witnessed in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology wing of the SCB Medical College and Hospital here on Saturday as baby Atmaja was finally united with her mother Rashmita, four months and 11 days after she was born and disowned over allegations of baby swap.

The fetters of doubt broken after the DNA tests proved Atmaja to be her child, Rashmita took the baby into her arms for the first time after her birth. Overpowered by the surge of mother’s love, Rashmita struggled to control herself as she held strongly on to Atmaja, who was handed over to her by the authorities of the O&G Department.

The Orissa High Court had on Friday ordered Rashmita’s husband Sushanta Mallick and his family to accept Atmaja and take her home on Saturday. The DNA test report, submitted by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Hyderabad, had established Rashmita to be the biological mother of Atmaja.

Acting on the orders, Rashmita came to the hospital along with her brothers and mother-in-law Latika. The baby was handed over to them in the afternoon.

Though elated at being cleared of the stigma of baby swap, a palpable atmosphere of gloom prevailed at the O&G Department and Neonatology wing, which had taken up the responsibility of looking after Atmaja after her family disowned her.

Over these four months, Atmaja had become the life and soul of the Neonatology unit as the staff cared and nursed her with all love and affection. “Everyone of us, from the doctors, nurses to students had become too attached with the baby. It is natural that all of us feel sad when she left,” said head of Neonatology unit Prof S N Parida.

All the 20 nurses in the department, along with the students and doctors, were present since the morning for uniting Atmaja with  her parents.

Her dresses, toys and other items, which had been bought by the staff,  were packed and sent along with the baby.

The O&G authorities were, however, visibly relieved as the baby swap saga was finally put to an end. “ We have been vindicated. It is now upon us to ensure that no such allegations arise in the future”, head of the Department Prof Shyama Kanungo said.