In a disturbing incident on Tuesday morning, a 19-year-old woman delivered a baby boy aboard a moving sleeper bus traveling from Pune to Parbhani, Maharashtra. Shortly after birth, the couple - who said they were husband and wife - wrapped the newborn in cloth and threw him out of the bus window near Pathri at around 6:30 AM. A passerby witnessed the tragic act and alerted authorities via the emergency helpline. 

Police intercepted the bus and arrested the woman, identified as Ritika Dhere, and her 21-year-old partner, Altaf Shaikh. The couple told police they disposed of the baby due to being financially and personally unable to raise him. The newborn died from injuries sustained upon impact.

The couple has been charged under Sections 94(3) and (5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for concealment of birth and secret disposal of a body. The woman has been hospitalized for medical attention; investigations continue.

This heartbreaking case has sparked outrage and sparked discussions around maternal and newborn care, legal safeguards, and social support for vulnerable couples.