Tumkuru: A distressing incident has come to light in Karnataka, where a class 9 girl from a government residential school allegedly gave birth to a baby boy. The shocking revelation has led to the registration of a case of rape under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
The 14-year-old girl, a resident of the hostel at a government residential school in the Tumakuru district, revealed the ordeal when she complained of stomach pain after returning to her house in Bagepalli taluk of Chikkaballapura district. Concerned parents took her to a hospital, where a scan revealed that she was eight months pregnant, as reported by news agency PTI.
On January 9, the girl was admitted to the hospital, and after a thorough medical check-up, doctors performed the delivery. Despite being underweight, both the girl and the newborn are reported to be stable, according to a senior police officer.
The hospital promptly informed the police, leading to the registration of a case under section 376 (Rape) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the POCSO Act. The gravity of the situation prompted the Child Welfare Committee to counsel the girl.
During the counseling sessions, the girl claimed that she was impregnated by a school senior, who is also a minor. However, during questioning, the boy denied the allegations, adding complexity to the investigation. The girl’s parents and she herself are reportedly not fully cooperating or providing consistent details, leading to challenges in establishing the facts.
“We have registered a case in the matter but have not made any arrest in connection with the incident yet. The girl and her parents are not opening up. They are being counselled. The girl is not consistent with her statements. She also mentioned the name of another boy, again a school senior. So, we are questioning all of them to find out who was responsible,” stated the investigating officer.
Meanwhile, responding to the incident, the Tumakuru district administration has taken action by suspending the hostel warden. The case underscores the urgent need for a thorough and sensitive investigation, ensuring the well-being of the victim while ascertaining the truth behind the distressing circumstances surrounding her pregnancy.
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