Kochi, 25 Feb (H.S.): The body of a newborn baby discovered along the waterfront at Marine Drive in Ernakulam will undergo a post-mortem examination on Wednesday morning, as police intensify efforts to determine the cause of death and identify those responsible.

The autopsy is scheduled to be conducted at 10 a.m. at Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery. Investigators confirmed that the deceased was a male infant. Preliminary observations revealed visible injury marks on the baby’s head, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the death.

The body was found around 4 p.m. on Tuesday near the edge of the backwaters adjoining Marine Drive, a busy promenade in the heart of the city. According to police sources, the infant’s body had begun to show early signs of decomposition when it was recovered.

Two children who had come to the area first noticed the body floating in the water and alerted nearby adults. One of them immediately informed the Ernakulam Central Police, who rushed to the spot. Officers retrieved the body from the backwaters and conducted inquest proceedings at the scene before shifting it to the mortuary at Kalamassery Medical College for further examination.

Police officials said they are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death. At present, there is no clarity on how the infant ended up in the backwaters or whether foul play was involved. The head injuries noted during the preliminary inspection are being closely examined as part of the investigation.

A case has been registered, and the Ernakulam Central Police have launched a detailed probe. Efforts are under way to identify the child, including inquiries in nearby hospitals, maternity centres, and residential areas. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the vicinity and collecting information from local residents and vendors.

Police indicated that the investigation will be expanded to surrounding areas if necessary. More details are expected once the autopsy findings are available.

The incident has shocked local residents and visitors to Marine Drive, a popular public space, as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the tragic discovery.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman