Class 7 Girl Found Pregnant in Rayagada; CWC Launches Probe

Rayagada: In a deeply disturbing incident, a Class 7 girl from the Kalyansinghpur area of Rayagada district has been found to be pregnant, prompting a thorough investigation by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Following the revelation, the CWC immediately stepped in and conducted a detailed inquiry, including extensive questioning of the minor. During the investigation, officials uncovered the involvement of another minor boy, reportedly from the Rayagada Sadar block.

“The inquiry into the incident is currently in progress. Detailed information can only be shared after the completion of the investigation,” said CWC Chairperson Bidulata Huika. She further assured that all aspects of the case would be examined and that the primary focus remains the safety and well-being of the minor girl.

The incident has shocked residents of the region, raising serious concerns about child safety and protection mechanisms in place.

This is not an isolated case. Earlier in February, a similar incident occurred in Malkangiri district when a Class 10 student gave birth at a hostel of a state-run residential school. The girl, who had returned to the hostel after appearing for her board examination, delivered a baby girl. She and the newborn were immediately shifted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Chitrakonda and later transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital.

These back-to-back incidents have raised alarms about the growing vulnerabilities faced by minor girls, particularly in tribal and rural pockets of Odisha. Authorities have vowed to conduct in-depth investigations and take necessary action to prevent such occurrences in the future.