Three bodies of new-born babies -- two male and one female -- were found in the drain near a hotel in the heart of the city and has been sent for post-mortem, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) C R Naidu told PTI here.

``We have intensified vigil and posted constables along the drain. All the bodies appear to be coming through the drainage canal. However, we do not suspect foul play as it appears to be a case of disposal of unwanted children,'' he said.

On January 21, residents of the slums nearby noticed five bodies of infants -- two boys and three girls -- floating in the drain and informed the police. One more body of a female baby was found at the spot the next day, sending shock waves among the residents.

Meanwhile, police haveregistered a case under Section 318 of the Indian Penal Code (concealment of birth by secret disposal of body).

Since there were no complaints about missing babies, it appeared that they were abandoned by parents, the DCP said, adding, ``It does not appear to be an organised criminal act. We have, however, intensified vigil all along the drain which runs through several localities in the city''.

The incidents have brought into focus social issues concerning unwanted children. ``Instead of dumping the infants in such an inhuman way, they can be left at some adoption centre'', Naidu said.