A shocking incident unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district when a 17-year-old girl delivered a premature baby inside a school washroom while appearing for her Class 10 board examination. The case has drawn widespread concern after allegations emerged that the teenager had been sexually assaulted months earlier.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at a private school in Pithampura town during the mathematics paper. According to officials, the girl began experiencing intense stomach pain about two hours into the exam and sought permission to go to the washroom. When she failed to return for an extended period, invigilators became worried and went to check on her. To their shock, they heard the cries of a newborn coming from inside the facility.
Female staff members immediately rushed to assist the student, who had already delivered a baby boy. An ambulance was called, and both the girl and the infant were transported to a government community health centre. Doctors later confirmed that the baby was born prematurely at around 34 weeks of pregnancy. Medical authorities stated that both mother and child were stable after receiving treatment.
During preliminary questioning, the teenager revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by a boy she met at a dance programme. She alleged that the accused had threatened her into silence, preventing her from disclosing the incident or her pregnancy to her family. Acting on her statement, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and launched an investigation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Parul Belapurkar said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the case, including whether anyone else had prior knowledge of the assault.
Also Read
‘Who Sold the Nation?’: Nirmala Sitharaman Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi During Budget Debate
The incident has raised serious concerns about child safety, awareness, and the support available to minors facing abuse. Experts say many young victims remain silent due to fear, stigma, or coercion, underscoring the need for stronger reporting mechanisms, counselling services, and community vigilance to protect vulnerable children.