Odisha govt blamed for class 7 girl’s death after stillbirth, hostel matron suspended

A day after the death of a pregnant class 7 girl student of a tribal residential school in Kandhamal after delivering a stillborn baby, her family members blamed the administration and the doctors for the tragic incident. 

The family of the deceased girl from Belghar area of Phulbani alleged that even though it was a highly sensitive case, the careless attitude of the treating doctors and of the apathy of the administration led to the death of her death.

Irate over the development, hundreds of local residents and family members of the victim staged demonstration outside Belghar police station all night long after the body of the victim arrived in Belghar. Tumudibandh administrative officials later pacified the aggrieved protesters and later the body of the girl was cremated at her village.

The administration has also reportedly paid an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 to the family members of the victim. Tumudibandh. Tehsildar has also assured that the rest Rs 50,000 of the compensation amount will be paid to the victim’s family later.

Meanwhile, in a significant development in the case, the hostel matron of the tribal residential school, Ranjita Behera has been dismissed. This apart, the headmaster, deputy superintendent and the ANM have been issued show cause notices to reply over the case. 

The Kandhamal district welfare officer informed that the action has been taken based on the probe report of the Baliguda Sub-Collector.

On the other hand, a team of the Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha is scheduled to meet the family members of the deceased girl at their residence in Belghar today.

Kandhamal BJP Yuva Morcha has demanded exemplary action against those culprit(s) responsible for the impregnation of the minor girl and her subsequent death during stillbirth.