Minor inmate of Falakata govt hostel gives birth to baby, probe launched
Alipurduar: A 16-year-old resident of a government hostel in Falakata gave birth to a baby boy, triggering a commotion.
The hostel authorities rushed the girl to Falakata Super Specialty Hospital on Monday morning after she complained about stomach pain, suspecting a case of appendicitis. However, after examination, the girl was shifted to the labour room on instructions of hospital superintendent Dr Subhasish Shee. By 8 am, she delivered a healthy baby boy weighing 2.6 kilograms. The incident shocked the authorities, prompting the hospital to immediately report the matter to Falakata police. A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was swiftly registered and cops launched an investigation. Officials from the District Child Welfare Committee have also expressed grave concerns.
The role of hostel authorities, ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers has come under scrutiny, with questions being raised about their failure to notice or address the girl’s condition.
According to the hostel, the girl had returned from a long vacation on January 8 and frequently visited home. The authorities claimed they failed to detect her pregnancy due to her wearing heavy winter clothing.
Falakata Block Development Officer (BDO) Anik Roy, however, found this explanation unsatisfactory. “Somewhere, there was negligence. I have informed the District Magistrate and higher authorities. A full investigation will be conducted,” he said.
Chairman of the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Asim Bose, also expressed concern. “As soon as we received the news, two CWC representatives were sent to Falakata to collect detailed information,” he stated.
Dr Shee, Superintendent of Falakata Super Specialty Hospital, described the incident as both “risky and illegal”. He confirmed that both the minor mother and her newborn are in good health. “We immediately informed the police and recommended registering a case under the POCSO Act,” he added.
A police investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on directives from the Child Welfare Committee. Meanwhile, questions about systemic negligence and lapses in oversight continue to overshadow the incident, sparking widespread concern within the district.
