One of twins missing after C-section in Naogaon: father files complaint against Balaka Clinic

In Naogaon, one twin newborn was handed over to the family after a caesarean operation, but the father, Shanta Islam, alleges that there is no trace of the other newborn. He has also accused the clinic authorities of offering money to hush the matter up. He has filed a written complaint at Naogaon Sadar police station over the incident.

The incident took place at Balaka Clinic in Naogaon on Thursday afternoon (November 5).

According to the complaint, Shanta Islam's wife Shantana Akter underwent ultrasound examinations at two separate diagnostic centres on October 12 and 21 during her pregnancy. Both reports stated that there were two live foetuses in the womb. The first report put both foetuses' heartbeats at 147 per minute, and the second at 146 and 140 respectively. The second report also gave estimated weights of 2,331 grams and 2,486 grams.

Shanta Islam said his wife was admitted to Balaka Clinic on Thursday afternoon on the advice of Dr Mahfuza Khatun, and she later delivered under that doctor through a caesarean operation. After the operation, one baby girl was handed over to the family, but no clear information was given about the other newborn.

Shanta Islam alleges that when he asked about the other child, the clinic authorities gave no satisfactory explanation. Instead, he was offered money to suppress the matter. He later filed a written complaint at Naogaon Sadar police station, demanding that the missing newborn be found and that legal action be taken against those responsible after a proper investigation.

Shantana Akter alleged that after confirming she was carrying twins, she consulted Dr Mahfuza Khatun for better treatment. When the doctor advised a quick caesarean after examinations, they were admitted to Balaka Clinic. Even before the caesarean, she knew she was carrying a boy and a girl. But after the operation she was shown only one baby girl.

She further alleged that when family members were informed and protested, her abdominal incision was left unstitched for about 30 to 45 minutes. During that time, video was recorded on a mobile phone and they were threatened that she would be left in that state if they did not agree to what was said. When her body began shivering, she requested that the stitching be done. She alleges the doctor then recorded video while shouting and threatening them.

Shantana Akter said: 'I want both of my children. I want to know where my child has been kept.'

Balaka Clinic owner Enamul Haque, however, left the matter to the doctor. He said: 'The woman was admitted to the hospital as Dr Mahfuza Khatun's patient, on her advice. She herself performed the operation. Only that doctor can say whether there was one baby or two. We know nothing about this.'

District police additional superintendent Muhammad Monirul Islam said: 'The newborn's father himself went to the police station and filed the complaint. We are investigating the matter along with the station's OC. Necessary action will be taken after the investigation.' When contacted for comment on the allegations, accused doctor Dr Mahfuza Khatun gave no statement to journalists.