Tragic Death of Chengalpet Teen Following Pregnancy from Alleged Abuse
A 15-year-old girl from Chengalpet, who became pregnant after alleged sexual abuse by a neighbour, has died at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai. The teenager succumbed to sepsis and multi-organ failure two weeks after delivering a dead three-month fetus, marking a deeply distressing incident that has shocked the local community.
Medical Timeline and Hospital Referrals
The girl was initially admitted to the Government Chengalpattu Medical College Hospital on January 8 with symptoms of fever. Medical tests conducted during her admission confirmed her pregnancy, leading to immediate concern among healthcare providers. She was administered a course of medication, including antibiotics and antivirals, to address her persistent fever and stabilize her condition.
On January 14, the situation took a critical turn when she delivered a dead male fetus. Following this, she developed severe complications, including multi-organ failure, necessitating urgent critical care. Consequently, she was referred to the general hospital in Chennai for specialized management, highlighting the gravity of her health crisis.
Critical Care Efforts and Fatal Outcome
Upon admission to the critical care unit of RGGGH on January 17, doctors noted a marginal improvement in her condition initially. However, her health deteriorated rapidly thereafter. Medical professionals involved in her treatment explained that she suffered from a severe infection, which ultimately led to multi-organ failure and her untimely death on Thursday.
One of the treating doctors stated, "She suffered severe infection, which led to multi-organ failure and death," underscoring the medical challenges faced during her care. The hospital's efforts to save her were extensive, but the complications proved insurmountable.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
In response to the incident, police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act based on information provided by doctors on January 17. Preliminary inquiries have revealed that a neighbour, approximately 30 years old, is suspected to be responsible for the girl's pregnancy.
Authorities noted that no dying declaration could be recorded due to the circumstances, but they are awaiting further details from the postmortem report to aid their investigation. The police have emphasized that further investigation is underway to gather all necessary evidence and ensure justice is served in this heartbreaking case.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for vigilance and protection mechanisms for vulnerable minors, as communities and law enforcement work to address such grievous offenses.