A foetus was discovered in the bathroom of a government hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour district on Wednesday, prompting a police investigation after a minor girl allegedly suffered a miscarriage on the premises. Officials confirmed on Friday that the girl, who was reportedly sexually assaulted a few months ago, had visited Rajgarh Civil Hospital complaining of abdominal pain before the incident occurred.
Incident Details
According to police, the girl entered the hospital seeking treatment for abdominal discomfort. She later experienced a miscarriage in the bathroom and subsequently left the facility. The foetus was found by a sanitation worker who noticed a suspicious object in the toilet. Upon closer inspection, it was identified as a foetus, leading hospital authorities to alert law enforcement.
Police Investigation
Authorities reviewed CCTV footage from the hospital to identify the minor. During questioning, the girl alleged that she had been sexually exploited by a young man. Based on her statement, a case has been registered against the accused, and an investigation is ongoing. The foetus has been sent for forensic examination to determine its gestational age, which is preliminarily estimated to be between four and five months, though official confirmation is pending.
Sirmaur Superintendent of Police NS Negi stated that the case is being treated with utmost seriousness due to its sensitive nature. Police are conducting a detailed probe to uncover all facts surrounding the incident.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
In accordance with Supreme Court directives on cases involving sexual assault, the victim's identity has not been disclosed to protect her privacy. The authorities emphasized their commitment to handling the matter with care and sensitivity.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in accessing timely medical care and support. The investigation aims to ensure justice for the minor while maintaining confidentiality as per legal guidelines.
