Authorities suspect the involvement of local quacks who may be engaged in a racket of illegal abortions. “The fact that the jar with foetus was thrown into a roadside bush confirms they were removed illegally. No hospital in this area would need to do it in this manner,” the police said.

Birbhum SP L N Meena said, “The foetuses have been sent to a medical laboratory to ascertain their age and the exact day they had been removed, among other things. Officers have reported the recovery of only four foetuses. Still, we are verifying the actual number.”

The police said there had been a noticeable increase in the number of quacks in the district as per information received. While no crackdown has been carried out on the quacks, today’s incident could lead to a drive, they said.