Two minors found pregnant in separate cases in Odisha; police probe on

Two girls, studying in Class X and Class VIII, were found to be pregnant on Saturday at two government-run residential schools in Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj districts, respectively.

Both were found to be pregnant after exhibiting suspicious behaviour during routine checks and complaints of illness following their return from summer vacations.

Mayurbhanj Case:

According to reports from The Times of India, a Class VIII student residing in the hostel of a Sevashram under Bangiriposi police limits in Mayurbhanj district, fell ill on Saturday morning. The school headmaster took her to the Bangiriposi Community Health Centre for a check-up, where doctors confirmed that she was approximately two months pregnant.

Upon initial questioning, the girl reportedly revealed that she had engaged in a consensual relationship with a minor boy from her village during her vacation.

Following this disclosure, the school authorities informed the girl's mother, who lodged a formal complaint at the Bangiriposi police station. The accused boy has been summoned for questioning, and police investigations are underway.

Kandhamal Case:

In a government residential school managed by the SC Development Department in Kandhamal district, a case of pregnancy came to light when the hostel matron observed that a Class X student had not collected her sanitary napkins after the summer break.

Suspecting irregularities, the staff arranged a medical examination, which confirmed the pregnancy.
The girl’s family was contacted immediately, and a complaint was filed at Tumudibandha Police Station by the school headmaster.

In both cases, the families claimed they were unaware of the girls’ condition until informed by school authorities after medical reports confirmed the pregnancies.

The developments come at a time when broader concerns are being raised over student safety in Odisha’s educational institutions, with many calling for systemic reforms to protect minors in state care.