The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights today issued a notice to West Bengal Government on the shocking incident in Lalbag sub-divisional hospital where a woman was swabbed with acid resulting in the death of her newborn. Sikha Bibi was admitted to the hospital in Murshidabad for a delivery on October 30 where she gave birth to a baby boy. “After the delivery, it is alleged that the doctors cleaned Sikha with carbolic acid instead of an antiseptic. A number of burn marks appeared on her body and the infant reportedly died. We take cognisance of the matter as it amounts to violation of children’s right to life,” Vinod Kumar Tikoo, member of the commission, wrote in his letter to the Chief Secretary today, ordering the victim’s treatment at state’s expense. The Commission has sought a detailed report in the matter within 15 days. It ordered, “In case the incident has revealed negligence on part of the doctors and staff, details of action initiated against such erring officials should be communicated to us. Sikha Bibi may be given treatment and counselling at state’s expense and we be intimated what action has been taken so far by the concerned departments at the state level, especially, by the Department of Health, to prevent infant deaths in the state as a whole”. Copies of the notice have also been sent to Secretary, Health, West Bengal and District Magistrate, Murshidabad.