Class 10 student of government school gives birth to baby in Karnataka’s Koppal; police arrest man for rape

The local police said they have arrested a man suspected of being responsible for the pregnancy, and registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

Her parents and the local community have questioned the warden and hostel staff over the pregnancy throughout its duration and how it went unnoticed. However, sources said that hostel authorities were aware of the situation but deliberately kept quiet about it, raising questions about their accountability and duty of care.

Suresh B Itnal, Deputy Commissioner, and Ram Arasiddi, Superintendent of Police, immediately visited the hospital to inquire about the girl’s health.

Speaking to the media, Itnal said they have taken stock of the situation. “We will initiate legal proceedings,” he said.

Data from the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department shows that between 2021-22 and 2023-24, 39,392 girls in the state delivered babies. Among them, 156 girls were 14-15 years old, 419 were 15-16 years old, 1,397 were 16-17 years old, 6,659 were 17-18 years old, and 30,761 were 18-19 years old.

In August, a Grama Panchayat president of a village in the state’s Belagavi district was arrested for allegedly marrying and impregnating a 15-year-old girl.

In the same month, a Class 9 girl delivered a premature baby at her house in the Shivamogga district. The parents said they were not aware that their daughter was seven months pregnant.