Newborn Rescued in Jajpur District After Alleged Rape Case Takes Shocking Turn
In a dramatic development in Jajpur district, police on Tuesday rescued a newborn girl from a bush near the house of a 70-year-old contractor, who was arrested just a day earlier for allegedly raping his 16-year-old domestic help and forcing her to undergo an abortion. This incident has added a complex new layer to an already distressing case, raising urgent questions about the survivor's ordeal and the fate of the infant.
Arrests and Initial Allegations
The case began when authorities arrested the contractor in Jajpur district on Monday, following accusations that he raped his teenage domestic help and apparently coerced her into terminating her pregnancy. In a related move, the managing director of a private hospital, where the girl's six-month pregnancy was supposedly terminated, was also taken into custody. These arrests highlighted serious allegations of sexual violence and medical misconduct in the region.
Unexpected Rescue of Newborn
However, the situation took an unexpected turn late on Monday night when local residents heard a baby's cries emanating from a bush near the contractor's residence. They promptly rescued the newborn, prompting police to rush to the scene. The infant was immediately admitted to a government hospital, where her condition is currently reported as stable. Investigators are now examining whether this premature baby was delivered by the teenage survivor, potentially contradicting earlier claims of a completed abortion.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Updates
On Tuesday, the teen survivor was produced before a court to record her official statement, as mandated by law in rape cases. Investigation officer Ashis Kumar Sahoo emphasized that this step is crucial for ensuring a fair legal process. Meanwhile, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Niranjan Kar stated that his team reached the hospital swiftly after learning about the abandoned baby. He noted that the newborn appears premature and outlined plans for DNA testing to establish biological parentage.
Key steps in the investigation include:
- Collection of blood samples from the accused contractor, the teenage girl, and the newborn as per court directives.
- Initiation of legal procedures for DNA analysis to confirm familial relationships.
- Ongoing scrutiny of the hospital's role in the alleged abortion and the circumstances surrounding the baby's abandonment.
This case has sparked widespread concern in Jajpur district, underscoring issues of child protection, sexual violence, and healthcare accountability. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the full truth and ensure justice for all involved parties.
