Residents shocked, quizzed after baby-in-bin tragedy

Residents of an apartment block in Auburn, western Sydney, were confined to their homes after a newborn baby's body was discovered inside a rubbish bin. The baby, a boy, was found naked and lifeless by a local resident on Monday morning. Police, establishing a crime scene, prevented residents from leaving all day as they investigated the tragic incident.

Sumandra Banthi, a 24-year-old resident, expressed her shock and fear upon witnessing the scene, stating it was her first encounter with such a disturbing event. Auburn Police Area Acting Commander Darren Sly confirmed the baby had likely been in the bin for up to 36 hours, though it was too early to determine if the infant had been born alive.

The police's primary focus was on the well-being of the baby's mother, ensuring she received urgent medical attention and the necessary care. The incident deeply affected both the mother and the emergency service personnel, with Acting Commander Sly acknowledging the trauma experienced by all involved. Police conducted door-to-door inquiries and reviewed CCTV footage as part of the investigation, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Lifeline and beyondblue provided support numbers for those needing assistance.