In a disturbing incident, a Class 9 student at a government residential school in the Shahapur taluk of Karnataka’s Yadgir district gave birth to a baby in the school toilet. The incident occurred on August 27th. According to police reports, the girl was experiencing full-term pregnancy due to sexual assault that occurred approximately nine months prior. Classmates, noticing the girl was in labor, alerted school administrators. Initially, the student was hesitant to disclose details or identify the perpetrator due to stress. Both the student and the baby were admitted to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Police have identified a 28-year-old man as the accused and registered a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case based on a complaint filed by the District Child Protection Officer. Cases have also been filed against the hostel warden, school principal, staff nurse, and the victim’s brother for failing to report the pregnancy to authorities. The Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Association (KREIS) has suspended four school employees due to dereliction of duty and negligence. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that appropriate action will be taken following a medical report and determination of responsibility. Measures to prevent future incidents, including increased monitoring and investigation of parental concealment and child marriage, are planned. A Child Rights Commission member emphasized the need for officials to have paid closer attention to the student’s physical changes and to ensure regular medical check-ups in residential schools.
