Abu Bakr argued with the police that he will not let his baby to be fed before he hears prayers
A man allegedly refused to let his wife breastfeed their newborn son for 24 hours at a hospital in Kerala because of his religious beliefs. Abu Bakr insisted that the baby, born in a Kozhikode hospital, hear Azaans, or prayers called out from mosques, before his first feed.
When doctors and the police argued that he cannot be allowed to endanger his child, Abu Bakr left with his wife and the baby. It is still not known where they are.
"The father claimed he will allow the child to be fed only after he hears five Azaans, which would take 24 hours," said Saji CK, a doctor and a member of the Indian Medical Association in the district.
Doctors told Abu Bakr that his demand was unacceptable and could be extremely dangerous for the child. "A newborn has to be fed or breastfed for at least two hours to ensure that there is no life-threatening complication," Dr Saji said. But Bakr was adamant.
The police and doctors tried to talk Bakr into going to the city Medical College. He left with his wife and child, but instead of going to the Medical College hospital, took them to an unknown place.