Kolkata, Dec 3: A newborn baby miraculously survived a freezing night in West Bengal’s Nadia district after being abandoned outside a public toilet in a railway workers’ colony.

The infant, just a few hours old and left without clothes or any protection, was shielded through the night by an unexpected group of guardians — stray dogs.

According to the witnesses, several dogs gathered around the helpless child, forming a protective circle. Instead of causing harm, they stayed close, keeping the baby warm and safe until morning. Their silent vigil ensured the infant endured the cold night, turning what could have been a tragedy into a remarkable story of survival and compassion.

Also read: Police Detain Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals in Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak

A woman, reportedly a resident of the railway colony, was the first to spot the baby the next morning. When she went closer, she found the newborn lying on the ground with dogs around. Shocked by the view, she picked up the baby, wrapped it in her dupatta, and called other neighbours for help.

"We saw something that still gives us goosebumps," said Sukla Mondal. "The dogs were not at all aggressive. Rather, they looked alert as if they understood the child was fighting to live," she said.

Another resident, Subhash Pal, recalled hearing the short, sharp cry around dawn. "I thought some family had a sick baby. Never imagined a newborn was lying outside, with dogs watching over. They behaved like sentries," he said.

The child was quickly taken to Maheshganj Hospital and then referred to Krishnanagar Sadar Hospital. Doctors said the baby was stable and the blood marks on the head were from birth, not from any injury.

Police suspect someone from the locality may have left the child there under the cover of night. Nabadwip police and child welfare authorities have begun inquiries and initiated procedures for the baby’s long-term care.

"These are the same dogs we complain about," said a railway worker. "But they showed more humanity than whoever abandoned that child," he said.

The incident has touched many hearts and reminded people that compassion can come from unexpected places — even from stray dogs that many ignore every day.

Compiled by: Aditi Majhi