Infant killed, body dumped in Kolkata's Maidan dustbin; father’s role under probe

Kolkata Police have arrested a man accused of killing his infant daughter and dumping her body in a dustbin in the Maidan area of central Kolkata. The accused, identified as Debjit Jana, also known as Shubhajit or Piklu, is being interrogated by investigators. Police said the body of the child, believed to be around five months old, has not yet been recovered, and search operations are continuing.

According to police sources, Debjit lived with his wife Kajal Jana and their daughter near the Brigade Parade Ground area. Investigators said the child had been born in December last year. Police alleged that the accused was a heavy drinker and frequent arguments reportedly took place between the couple regarding the care of the infant. Investigators also stated that the child’s mother was mentally distressed and unable to properly look after the baby.

Police claimed that on the night of May 3, the infant began crying while in her father’s arms. Investigators alleged that Debjit, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, became enraged when he could not calm the child and violently assaulted her. Police suspect the infant died from the injuries. According to the investigation, the accused later wrapped the body in a plastic bag and dumped it in a dustbin along Jawaharlal Nehru Road near the Maidan area. A garbage collection vehicle later removed the waste from the location.

The incident came to light after the child’s mother reportedly searched for the baby with the help of neighbours and later lodged a kidnapping complaint at Maidan Police Station. During the investigation, police questioned local residents and the child’s father. Investigators became suspicious of his behaviour and subjected him to prolonged interrogation. Police said he eventually confessed to killing the child. Eyewitnesses also claimed local residents surrounded him near the Brigade area after the mother publicly accused him of murdering the baby.

Police later examined CCTV footage from the area, which reportedly showed the accused carrying the child and later throwing a white plastic bag into a dustbin. Authorities have also identified the garbage collection vehicle that cleared the area on the following morning. Police recovered clothes allegedly worn by the accused on the night of the incident and have contacted the Kolkata Municipal Corporation while continuing efforts to trace the infant’s body.