Sambalpur, May 22: A couple, who had recently admitted their newborn girl to the special newborn care unit (SNCU) at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medial Sciences and Research (Vimsar) at Burla, have alleged their baby had been swapped at the facility.

They have lodged a complaint with the police who said that a DNA test would shortly be conducted to clear the doubt even as the hospital authorities denied the allegation of swapping.

Reena Patra, the wife of Gagan Bihari Patra of Podakhol in Sambalpur district, had given birth to a baby girl at Naktideul Hospital on May 17. However, the baby did not cry after birth. Subsequently, she was referred to the Vimsar in Burla. The baby was on bed No. 16 of the SNCU at Vimsar.

Another couple - Sudam Bhoi and Sanjukta Bhoi of Bhaunripathar in Boudh district - had also admitted their baby girl at the SNCU. Their baby was on bed No. 17.

The baby on bed No. 16 died late last evening.

Subsequently, Gagan Bihari Patra, whose baby was on bed No. 16, alleged that his baby had been swapped with the baby of Sudam and Sanjukta and approached the police.

Sanjukta Bhoi, however, said that the allegation was baseless.

Vimsar superintendent Brajamohan Mishra said the police would investigate the matter.

Inspector in charge of Burla police station Tophan Bag said: "The blood group of the baby, who was referred from Naktideul, was B positive and the blood group of the baby who died was also found B positive. However, the blood group of the baby, who is alive and on bed No. 17, has been tested O positive. The test clearly indicates that baby has not been swapped."

"But the family members of the baby, who died, want a DNA test. A DNA test will be conducted to clear their doubts," said Bag.#