Baby born with 26 fingers and toes in India, considered reincarnation of Hindu deity

A baby was born with an astonishing 26 fingers and toes in a hospital in Bharatpur, a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.

While medical experts describe the condition as a genetic anomaly known as polydactyly, the baby’s family is rejoicing, believing that their child is the reincarnation of a revered Hindu deity.

The baby, whose name has not been disclosed, entered the world with 14 fingers on its hands and 12 toes on its feet, leaving medical professionals both astounded and intrigued.

As reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday (19 Sep), doctors described it as a genetic anomaly known as polydactyly, where someone is born with one or more extra fingers or toes. It can occur on one or both hands or feet.

However, the family is reported to be happy and openly refers to it as a reincarnation of Dholagarh Devi, a famous local deity whose temple is located near the girl’s birthplace. The deity’s statue depicts a young girl with multiple hands.

The baby’s mother, Sarju Devi, aged 25, expressed immense joy at the birth of her child. Sarju Devi’s brother, whose name was not disclosed, spoke to local media, proudly stating, “My sister has given birth to a baby with 26 fingers, and we consider it to be the incarnation of Dholagarh Devi. We are overjoyed.”

The baby’s father, Gopal Bhattacharya, a Central Reserve Police Force officer, is also reported to be ecstatic about the birth.

Dr BS Soni, a medical practitioner at the hospital where the baby was born, offered a medical perspective on the condition, saying, “Having 26 fingers is not harmful, but it is a genetic abnormality. The little girl is perfectly healthy.”

The big question now is whether the family from Bharatpur, in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan, plans to undergo surgery to reduce the number of fingers and toes on their newborn baby.

This decision is yet to be disclosed as the family continues to bask in the belief that their child is a divine reincarnation.