Newborn Survives Poisoning Attempt, Becomes Symbol of Hope

In November 2025, a newborn baby girl in Jhargram, West Bengal, was the victim of a poisoning attempt by her own grandmother. Just 8 days after the child's birth, her mother found her frothing at the mouth and rushed her to the hospital.

The baby was first taken to Gopiballavpur super-speciality hospital, where doctors tried to clear the poison from her abdomen. However, when she continued to experience respiratory attacks and seizures, she was transferred to the special newborn care unit at Jhargram Medical College and Hospital.

After 11 days of intensive care, the doctors were able to save the child's life. The baby's mother, who was only 17 years old when she eloped with her boyfriend, expressed immense gratitude to the medical team, saying "They aren't just doctors, but Gods, who gave a rebirth to my child."

The grandmother has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. This incident has become a rallying point for the Jhargram district administration's efforts to spread awareness and combat female infanticide and gender discrimination in the region, which is one of the most underdeveloped areas of West Bengal. The rescued baby is now being referred to as "Agnikanya," or "girl born of fire," symbolizing her fight for survival.