Shocking Incident: Class 10 Student Gives Birth During Math Board Exam in Dhar
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the education community, a Class 10 student gave birth to a baby boy in the washroom of her examination center while her mathematics board paper was underway on Tuesday. The event occurred in Dhar district, where the minor had gone to a private school designated as an examination center for the crucial board test.
Sequence of Events During the Examination
According to Dhar Assistant Superintendent of Police Parul Belapurkar, the student wrote her mathematics paper for nearly two hours before complaining of acute stomach pain. She then stepped out to use the washroom, where minutes later, the cries of a newborn alerted teachers who rushed to the toilet. They discovered that she had delivered a child right there in the examination facility.
School authorities immediately called the 108 ambulance service, and both the girl and the newborn were swiftly shifted to a nearby community health center for initial medical attention.
Medical Condition and Family Response
Dhar Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Anita Singhar revealed that preliminary examination showed the baby was born at 34 weeks of gestation. "The newborn weighs approximately 2 kilograms, and both mother and child were found to be stable," she stated. "Considering the premature birth and low weight, doctors have referred them to Dhar district hospital for specialized neonatal care. Pediatricians are closely monitoring the infant, while the minor remains under medical supervision."
In a shocking revelation, the girl's family claimed they were completely unaware of the pregnancy. Her mother told investigators they had no information about her condition whatsoever. The family also mentioned that the girl had been engaged and they were planning her marriage after she turned 18.
Legal Proceedings and POCSO Implications
Police have registered a zero FIR under sections of rape and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. "Investigation is currently underway," confirmed ASP Belapurkar.
The minor later told police that the child's father is a youth from a nearby town with whom she had been in contact for the past two years, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Legal Experts Weigh In on Parental Responsibility
Legal experts have commented on whether the girl's parents could face legal action in such circumstances. Advocate Abhinav Dhanodkar explained, "Action against parents is possible only if it is established that they were aware of the pregnancy and yet failed to act appropriately. If the minor states that her parents had prior knowledge, it could invite legal proceedings."
He further elaborated, "However, there have been documented cases where families remained completely unaware, particularly when the girl wore loose clothing and did not display visible signs of pregnancy. In the absence of concrete proof of knowledge or negligence, fixing liability on parents could prove legally challenging."
Dhanodkar emphasized the seriousness of the legal provisions, adding, "Under Section 19(1) and 21 of the POCSO Act, non-reporting of sexual assault against a minor despite having knowledge constitutes a serious crime. More often than not, such non-reporting represents an attempt to shield the offender from justice."
The incident has raised critical questions about adolescent awareness, parental vigilance, and the implementation of child protection laws in educational settings. As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all aspects of this troubling case that unfolded during what should have been a routine academic examination.
