On Sunday, April 20, 2025, Khushboo Patani, the elder sister of Bollywood actress Disha Patani, captured the hearts of many after she bravely rescued an abandoned baby girl in Bareilly. A former Lieutenant in the Indian Army, Khushboo shared a poignant video on Instagram, showcasing her emotional encounter with the child, who was found alone in a dilapidated structure near her home.
The rescue unfolded early that morning when Khushboo went out for her daily walk. Hearing the cries of a baby coming from an abandoned building, she quickly took action. According to Circle Officer (City-I) Pankaj Srivastava, "There was no direct access to the structure, so she took the courageous step of climbing over a wall to reach the spot." Inside, she discovered a nine to ten-month-old infant lying on the ground, crying and showing visible injuries on her face.
Khushboo immediately brought the baby home, where she administered first aid before contacting the police. In her video, she was seen gently picking up the child, who began to cry upon seeing her. Holding the baby close, Khushboo softly comforted her, assuring her that she would be taken care of. She even tentatively named the child Radha.
In the video, Khushboo firmly addressed viewers, saying, "If you are from Bareilly and this is your child, then tell us how the parents left her in this place. Shame on such parents!" Her heartfelt plea resonated with many, as she urged the public to help identify the child and share her pictures. "Please identify and share the girl child pictures," she added.
Alongside the video, Khushboo posted a strong caption calling for assistance from the public and authorities. She wrote, "Jako rakhe saiyan, maar sake nah koi (Nobody can harm one whom God protects). I hope she will be taken care of by the authorities and whatever is the chain of command ahead with proper rules and regulations @bareillypolice @uppolice @myogi_adityanath. Please save the girl child in our country! kab tak chalega yeh sab? (Till when will this continue)?"
Khushboo's video quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and comments praising her compassion and bravery. Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar commented, "God bless her and you!" while Disha Patani expressed her support with, "Bless you de and the little girl." One user remarked, "Once a soldier, always on duty. Hats off to you, ma’am," reflecting the admiration many felt for Khushboo's actions.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety and protection of children in India. Khushboo's plea for action highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child abandonment and the need for greater societal awareness. As the video spread across social media, many echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
As the police began their investigation, they reviewed CCTV footage from the area to identify the individuals responsible for abandoning the child. Circle Officer Srivastava confirmed, "Efforts are underway to trace those responsible for leaving the baby in such a condition." The child was later admitted to the district hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
Khushboo, who left the Army to become a fitness coach and entrepreneur, has shown that her spirit of service remains strong. Her actions not only saved a life but also inspired many to take a stand against child abandonment. The overwhelming support she has received serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility society holds towards its most vulnerable members.
As the story continues to unfold, Khushboo remains committed to ensuring that Radha receives the care and love she deserves. She has vowed to see that the child is placed in a safe environment where she can flourish. The public's response to Khushboo's actions has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for her quick thinking and compassionate heart.
This incident shines a light on the critical issue of child welfare in India, where many children face abandonment and neglect. As Khushboo's story spreads, it calls for urgent action and awareness regarding the protection of children. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have when they choose to act with courage and compassion.
In a world where such stories are often overshadowed by negativity, Khushboo Patani's selfless act stands out as a beacon of hope. Her determination to help an abandoned child resonates deeply, encouraging others to follow her example and advocate for the welfare of children everywhere. The journey for Radha is just beginning, but thanks to Khushboo, she now has a fighting chance at a brighter future.
