In a dramatic turn of events, a one-day-old baby boy who was allegedly stolen from a government hospital in Balasore district was rescued within 12 hours. Two women, including an ASHA worker, have been detained in connection with the incident, police said on Monday.

The newborn was reported missing from the Balasore district headquarters hospital on June 9. The family of the baby promptly lodged a police complaint following his disappearance, according to an officer.

The complaint, filed by 60-year-old Minati Dandpat, stated that her daughter-in-law, 25-year-old Anita Dandpat, gave birth to a baby boy on the night of June 8. The baby was subsequently stolen by unknown persons, with Minati Dandpat suspecting the involvement of ASHA worker Sandhyarani Patra.

Swift police action led to the rescue of the infant and the detention of the two suspects. The incident has raised concerns about security in hospitals, prompting authorities to review and tighten measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.