Hindus hail baby 'goddess'

THOUSANDS of people are flocking to an Indian village to worship a baby girl born with rare tumours, as they believe she is a reincarnation of Durga, a multi-armed Hindu goddess.

The tumours on the infant look like extra limbs, drawing locals with gifts of fruits and flowers. "People believe the girl is their deliverer, but experts say it is a congenital defect," said a senior police officer in the eastern state of Bihar.

"We hope they understand that the child needs treatment," he said, adding her parents could not afford medical treatment.