"The dogs were not aggressive. They looked alert. As if they understood the child was fighting to live," she said.

Another resident, Subhash Pal, recalled hearing the short, sharp cry around dawn.

"I thought some family had a sick baby. Never imagined a newborn was lying outside, with dogs watching over. They behaved like sentries," he said.

It was only when Sukla finally approached, whispering softly, that the dogs eased open their circle.

She wrapped the baby in her dupatta and called neighbours for help.

The infant was rushed first to Maheshganj Hospital and then referred to Krishnanagar Sadar Hospital.

Doctors later said there were no injuries, and the blood on the head was likely from birth sign that the abandonment happened minutes, not hours, after delivery.

Police suspect someone from the locality may have left the child there under the cover of night.

Nabadwip police and Child Help authorities have begun inquiries and initiated procedures for the baby's long-term care.

Yet, even as officials get to work, the town cannot shake off the image of the dogs-silent, untrained, and yet uncannily protective.

"These are the same dogs we complain about," said a railway worker.

"But they showed more humanity than whoever abandoned that child," he said.