Karnataka teen gives birth in hostel, Dalit bodies demand action on staff

 

by IANS |

Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka), Dec 17 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a Class-12 student gave birth to a baby in a government-run girls' hostel in Chikmagalur city of the state, sources said on Saturday.

Dalit organisations have demanded strict action against the hostel warden and district social welfare officer.

The outfits, including Dalit Sangharsh Samithi (DSS) which raised the issue, alleged that the incident had taken place in a hostel where about 200 girl students reside.

According to sources, the social welfare officer has claimed that since the girl wrapped clothes around her abdomen, they were unable to recognise the pregnancy.

The police have lodged a POCSO case in this regard and started investigations.

Raising questions on the safety of girls in government-run hostels, the activists asked how parents can send their wards to government hostels under these circumstances.

Girls' health conditions need to be checked once every three months. Had the authorities followed this rule, the incident would have come to light much earlier. Instead, the authorities have facilitated the delivery in the hostel, they charged.

The organisations have demanded registration of FIRs against the social welfare officer and the hostel warden- both women. The two should be terminated from their services, they asserted.

Latest News
Vijay files nomination in Tiruchy East amid fan frenzy; raises law and order concerns Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 01:27 PM
OMCs losing Rs 64 per litre on ATF sales amid global oil shock: Report Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 01:24 PM
Gautam Adani visits Ram Temple with family, lauds it as 'symbol of India's culture, unity, self-confidence' Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 01:09 PM
Bypoll special: Campaigning by BJP, Cong intensifies for high-stakes political contest in Karnataka's Bagalkot Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 01:06 PM
College student dies by suicide in Karnataka after being 'linked' to lecturer Thu, Apr 02, 2026, 12:50 PM