Odisha class X student gives birth hours after exam, hostel under scrutiny |
Koraput: A 15-year-old girl studying in a govt-run residential school in Malkangiri district delivered a baby on Monday night, hours after she appeared for her Class X English paper, prompting separate probes by police and district administration.
Police have identified the accused and are closely monitoring his movements. “The accused belongs to the same village as the girl, and he will be apprehended soon,” said Mukund Melaka, inspector in-charge.
Her parents said they received a call from the hostel authorities at 9:14 pm, informing them that their daughter was missing and instructing them to visit immediately. However, upon arrival, they were informed that their daughter had given birth to a girl.
“I was shocked to hear the news. I had met my daughter around 12:45 pm and there was no indication of her pregnancy,” said the girl’s father. Accusing the hostel authorities of negligence, he demanded strict action against those responsible for her pregnancy.
District admn launches probe
There are several restrictions for parents to meet their children in the hostel. How did my child get pregnant without the school authorities knowing? This is a major lapse on their part, and I demand justice,” he added.
He further questioned how her daughter could have attended classes and appeared for exams without the school officials noticing her condition.
The district administration has initiated a separate investigation into the incident. District welfare officer (DWO) Srinibas Achary said the student gave birth to the baby in her hostel room late in the evening after writing her High School Certificate (HSC) exam.
“She was rushed to the hospital as it was a premature delivery. Both the mother and the child are stable,” Achary said.
“An official inquiry has been launched, and necessary action will be taken against those found responsible. I am personally investigating the matter. The girl had visited her village during the Dussehra holidays, and all angles will be examined. Any official found neglecting their duties will not be spared,” he said.
