In their hunt for the person who abandoned the newborn, the police released a heart-wrenching bodycam video that showed the tiny infant crying, clutching the finger of one of the responding officers. The video was shared with the hope that it might lead to some clarity regarding Baby India’s identity.
A Ray of Hope for Baby India
Baby India was reported to be thriving and in the care of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, with thousands of people across the globe expressing a desire to adopt her. “It’s amazing the number of people who are looking to take on a new life into their families,” Sheriff Freeman said, “and we got somebody who tried to throw one away.”
A Break in the Case
In May 2023, after a relentless search, police reported the arrest of the mother, 40-year-old Karima Jawani from Atlanta. This significant breakthrough came when advanced DNA practices helped identify Baby India’s biological father.
According to the Sheriff, evidence suggests that Baby India was born in the car and driven for a substantial length of time by the suspect, Jiwani, who made no effort to leave the child where she could be found. It’s also alleged that Jiwani has a history of concealed pregnancies and surprise births.
Legal Ramifications
Jiwani, currently held without bond, faces charges of aggravated assault, child cruelty in the first degree, criminal attempt to commit murder, and reckless abandonment. Sheriff Freeman highlighted the existence of legal options, like the Safe-Haven law, available to parents unable or unwilling to care for a newborn.
This law permits a mother to anonymously leave her newborn baby, under 30 days old, at a hospital, fire station, or police station without facing legal consequences. Despite this provision, the National Safe Haven Alliance reported that 33 illegally abandoned newborns were saved by the organization in 2021, but tragically, 22 of these babies were found dead.
Sheriff Freeman praised Forsyth County, saying, “When a biological parent wouldn’t do what they’re supposed to do, Forsyth County surrounded this little girl with love, care, and prayers and lifted her up the way it’s supposed to be.”
A Community in Shock
The events surrounding Baby India’s abandonment and survival have left the community reeling, yet the actions of the Ragatz family serve as a beacon of hope. Their quick thinking and decisive action helped save Baby India’s life, a testament to human kindness amidst such a harrowing situation.
What’s your take on this shocking story?