Minor rape & delivery case: Nursing home to be sealed in Odisha’s Jajpur Road

In a disturbing case reported under Jajpur Road police limits, the local authorities are set to seal a nursing home linked to the alleged rape of a minor girl that resulted in childbirth, official sources said on Tuesday.

Also Read: Newborn girl rescued near house of 70-year-old accused in minor rape case in Jajpur

According to the sources, the District Health Department has given a deadline to the private nursing home, after which it will be sealed on February 20. Following the incident, a probe by a medical team revealed several irregularities, including conducting an illegal abortion on a minor without registration and hiding information in CCTV footage.

Since the doctor providing treatment is privately associated, the police have been asked to take action against him.

The newborn baby girl, rescued late last night, has been taken into custody by the District Child Protection Unit. Following the rescue, the infant was admitted to Jajpur Road health facility for treatment.

A team comprising officials from the Child Protection Unit, along with Korei CDPO and investigating police officers, visited the hospital today to assess the baby’s health and related aspects. After evaluation, the child was formally handed over to the Child Welfare Committee. Officials confirmed that the newborn is currently in stable health.

Meanwhile, the minor mother has also been rescued. Police have arrested two accused in connection with the case and produced them before the court. Further investigation into the incident is underway by the Jajpur Road police.

Paediatrician Dr Gautam Sahoo said the baby was suffering from severe hypothermia at the time of admission. “The newborn was severely hypothermic when she was brought to the hospital. We administered primary medical care and checked her blood sugar levels. The child is now stable and being fed,” he expressed.

Dr Sahoo added that no signs of any infection have been detected so far. “We will conduct further tests to ascertain more details. The newborn appears to be premature, likely born between 34 and 36 weeks,” the paediatrician added.