Kolkata, 05 January (H.S.) : Sonali Khatun, a resident of Rampurhat in Birbhum district, has given birth to a baby boy. Sonali had earlier been sent to Bangladesh despite being pregnant, triggering a major controversy, following which she was brought back to India. Trinamool Congress All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee congratulated Sonali and the newborn and announced that he would personally visit the hospital during his Birbhum tour on January 6.

In a social media post on Monday, Abhishek Banerjee said that the joy of Sonali’s motherhood becomes even more profound in light of the injustice she had to endure.

Sonali Khatun was working as a domestic help in Delhi. It has been alleged that the Delhi Police detained her by branding her as “Bangladeshi” and that the BSF forcibly pushed her back to Bangladesh despite her pregnancy. Sonali was reportedly kept in custody there like a criminal. Subsequently, Sonali and her family continued a sustained legal and social struggle. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee repeatedly raised the issue publicly.

According to sources, allegations were made that Sonali’s return was delayed despite directions from the High Court and the Supreme Court. After nearly 6 months of struggle, Sonali returned to India on December 5, when her pregnancy was already at an advanced stage. Upon her return, Sonali and her family expressed gratitude to Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.

Local sources said Sonali was taken to Paikar Hospital for a routine check-up around 5 pm on Sunday, from where she was referred to Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital. She was admitted around 9 pm, and doctors advised a caesarean section. On Monday at around 11 am, she delivered a baby boy. Both mother and child are reported to be in stable condition. The family has not yet decided on the newborn’s name.

Sonali’s neighbour Rohan Ali said Abhishek Banerjee is expected to visit the hospital on Tuesday to meet her. Meanwhile, Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam said Sonali had earlier expressed her wish that the child’s naming ceremony be performed by the chief minister.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh