Minor Delivers Baby at Patiala Hospital After Alleged Sexual Abuse
A 15-year-old minor girl, who had been sexually exploited, gave birth to a baby boy at the district hospital in Patiala, police officials confirmed on Tuesday. The police have registered a criminal case against the alleged accused, identified as Sooraj Kumar, under Section 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Anaj Mandi police station in Patiala.
Medical and Police Response
The medical condition of both the mother and the newborn is being closely monitored by healthcare professionals. Police teams have launched a manhunt to track down the alleged accused, whose antecedents and residential address have yet to be formally established. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the minor was taken to the hospital after complaining of severe abdominal pain, where she delivered the baby. During treatment, the minor alleged that she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by a youth over a period of time. The victim told the police that she was unaware of her pregnancy and had not informed her family out of fear.
Child Welfare Department Involvement
Shaina Kapoor, the Child Welfare Officer of Patiala district, stated that a team from the Child Welfare Department had met both the victim and the child in the hospital. “The victim is in a good state of health, while the child has been kept under medical observation due to minor health issues,” Kapoor said. She added that health authorities have been asked to properly care for both. “The victim has not been able to tell much about the youth who abused her, but efforts are on, and we are providing counselling sessions to her so that she can reveal the details and antecedents of the alleged accused,” Kapoor explained.
Victim and Family Decline Custody of Child
The child welfare officer further noted that, so far, the victim and her parents have denied handing over the child to them. The police continue to investigate, and the child welfare team is providing support to the minor and her family.
