A ninth grade nine student delivered a baby boy in the washroom of a government residential school in Karnataka’s Shahapur on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon on school premises but came to light on Thursday. Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) member Shashidhar Kosambe has instructed officials to file a complaint and submit a detailed report on the matter.

Both the girl and the newborn are currently receiving treatment at Shahapur Government Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

Kosambe expressed concern that the incident was not brought to the Commission’s notice by the authorities. “We learned about the matter from other sources. A suo motu complaint will be filed against the school principal and staff members. The district child protection officer has also been directed to submit a comprehensive report,” he said.

The school principal, Basamma, stated that she was unaware of the student’s pregnancy. “I took charge as principal only last month. According to the birth certificate, the girl is 17 years and 8 months old. She joined classes on August 5 but was absent on several occasions citing headaches and other health issues. We were shocked when she delivered the baby. Despite repeated attempts, her parents have not responded,” she said.

Inputs from Deccan Herald

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