After four years, "Baby India" has been identified and an arrest was made
2023-05-22
A female infant was discovered near a forested area along Daves Creek Road in Cumming, Georgia in June 2019 by a homeowner and his daughters. The daughters had first heard what they believed to be a baby sobbing in the woods. The father, who was initially skeptical, went in with his daughters to investigate and found the infant in a plastic bag on top of a stack of logs and leaves.
Body camera footage captured the moment an abandoned newborn girl was found alive inside a plastic bag in Georgia.Photo byABC News
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office investigators arrived at the site after the family dialed 911. The newborn's estimated age was only hours old, and her umbilical cord was still in place. Investigators gave the baby first aid and quickly transported her to the hospital for treatment. Investigators from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office asked for assistance from the public in locating the baby's relatives. The little girl was supported by the neighborhood throughout this period with foster care, adoption, and donations.
As the infant recovered, detectives began to look for her parents and the individuals responsible for what had happened. The GBI, the Atlanta FBI, and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office all contributed to the extensive investigation that followed. Othram provided advanced DNA testing and analysis for the agencies. The Forsyth County Sheriff mentioned that the investigation demanded thousands of hours over four years during the news conference in May 2023. The baby's family was discovered as a result of the investigation, and the baby's mother, Karima Jiwani, now 40 years old, has been charged with criminal attempt to murder, first-degree child abuse, aggravated assault, and reckless abandonment.
The Forsyth County Sheriff made the following statement about the arrest during the news conference: "I've been doing this for 33 years, and I honestly can't think of one that I wanted more."
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office released the booking photo for Karima JiwaniPhoto byForsyth County Sheriff's Office
Despite her traumatic birth, the now nearly 4-year-old child nicknamed "Baby India" is thriving and has been adopted, according to investigators who want to protect her anonymity. India's mother undoubtedly knew she existed, according to the sheriff's office, even if her biological father was unaware of her existence. Authorities were able to locate India's father before her mother thanks to DNA evidence and the Othram lab in Texas.
Jiwani is being held at the Forsyth County jail. In her first court appearance on Saturday May 20th, the judge denied bond. She has lived in southern Forsyth County for several years, the sheriff said.
Through interviews with numerous people who know Jiwani, investigators believe she has a history of hiding pregnancies. But there are no criminal charges related to any other incidents at this point.
The Othram lab, which has helped solve other recent Georgia cases including a newborn killed in a University of Georgia dorm in 1996, helped deputies find the infant's parents. The advance in technology proved key.
Because the case is still being prosecuted, investigators have not yet released information on Jiwani's interview or the reasons why the incident occurred.
What do you think about this? Speak your mind and leave a comment!
I really hope someone keep a watch on this child to make sure she is not ever mistreated again
Lane Goudie
2023-06-18
I thank God e everyday for the angels that took place showing the family where the baby was...was God's intervention at that moment.shes a very special 4 yr old.very brave.
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