In a shocking incident exposing the poor state of rural infrastructure, a woman and her newborn had to be carried on shoulders for about 1.5 km after an ambulance failed to reach their home due to the dilapidated condition of the road in Adahallatti village, Belagavi district.
Shilpa, wife of Bheemashankar Naik, developed labour pains on Friday and delivered the baby at home before the family could arrange medical help. When the 108 ambulance was called, the driver informed them he could not drive through the damaged road.
With no alternative, family members carried the mother and infant to the ambulance. They were later admitted to the hospital, where both are reported to be safe.
The incident angered villagers, who criticised authorities for neglecting road infrastructure despite funds being sanctioned for repairs. They have demanded urgent action from officials.
