A troubling incident from Odisha’s Sambalpur district has surfaced, where a young tribal girl, studying in Class 10, unexpectedly delivered a baby girl at her home in Naktideula. The pregnancy, reportedly stemming from a relationship with a local youth, remained undetected until the birth. Both the teenage mother and her newborn are stable, but the situation has sparked public anger, highlighting failures by family members and educators to identify the issue earlier.
The incident came to public attention after the girl and her infant were taken to the Naktideula Community Health Centre (CHC) for medical assistance on Saturday. Local reports suggest the alleged father is a youth from the same locality. Authorities have begun an in-depth inquiry to uncover the circumstances and assign accountability.
The school’s headmaster has been served a show-cause notice by the Sub-collector for not taking preventive action. Dr. Amulya Ratna Mahanta from the CHC confirmed that the mother, a minor, and her baby were brought in by ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Both are in good health and have been transferred to VIMSAR in Burla for continued care.
Sub-collector Rashmi Ranjan Mahanta stressed the urgency of the matter, instructing officials to investigate thoroughly. The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) has been tasked with ensuring proper medical care for the mother and baby, with further action to follow.
This case underscores critical lapses in protective systems for vulnerable minors and the need for vigilance by families, schools, and local bodies.
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