A Class 10 student from a residential government school in Karnataka’s Koppal district gave birth to a child on Wednesday, sparking serious concerns about safety measures in such institutions and alleged negligence by authorities.

Officials said the 15-year-old, who comes from a financially disadvantaged family, was studying in an aided school and staying in a government-run hostel. She was taken to the Women and Children’s Hospital in Koppal after complaining of severe stomach pain, where she delivered the baby.

Police have arrested a man suspected of impregnating the girl and have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Her parents and community members questioned the warden and hostel staff about how the pregnancy went unnoticed for months. However, sources claim the hostel authorities were aware of her condition but chose to remain silent, raising concerns about their accountability and duty of care.

Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal and Superintendent of Police Ram Arasiddi visited the hospital to check on the girl’s condition. Itnal told the media that they had assessed the situation and would initiate legal action.

It may be recollected that this is a second such incident to come to light this month alone. On November 6, a 17-year-old gave birth to a baby after which her brother was arrested on allegations of rape.

According to the Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department, 39,392 girls in the state gave birth between 2021-22 and 2023-24. This includes 156 girls aged 14–15, 419 aged 15–16, 1,397 aged 16–17, 6,659 aged 17–18, and 30,761 aged 18–19.

Inputs from Deccan Herald 

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