Forsyth County mother accused of abandoning newborn daughter in woods pleads guilty, officials say

Karima Jiwani, a Forsyth County mother, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the abandonment of her newborn daughter, known as “Baby India,” in the woods in 2019. This plea was confirmed on February 13, 2025, after Jiwani reached a plea bargain with prosecutors, although the exact charges she pleaded guilty to have not been disclosed. Jiwani was initially indicted in August 2023, facing serious charges including attempted murder and first-degree cruelty to children. The baby was found in a plastic bag in the woods near Daves Creek Road shortly after her birth, which authorities believe occurred in a car. In light of the incident, Jiwani's husband filed for divorce and secured a restraining order prohibiting her from contacting him and their three children.

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman noted that Jiwani has a history of concealing pregnancies, adding to the case's complexity. Fortunately, “Baby India” has since been adopted and is thriving in her new home. This case highlights significant social issues surrounding maternal health and child welfare.