Another minor motherhood case in Odisha’s Nabarangpur

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Nabarangpur, May 14:

The collector of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district Wednesday ordered an expeditious inquiry by the District Child Welfare Committee (DCWC) into a case of minor motherhood, which came to light after seven months of her alleged rape.

“The victim’s family, along with a voluntary organization, approached me and narrated the ordeal. Justice will be done and adequate security will be provided to them. I have asked the DCWC to inquire into the matter and submit its report soon. Besides, I have asked the SP to initiate legal steps in this matter,” said Rashmita Panda, Nabarangpur collector.

According to sources, the minor girl from a village under Ghodakhunta panchayat in Dabugan block in the district studying in class VI was allegedly raped by one Govind Bindhani at a village orchard on Ganesh Puja day. The incident happened when the minor was going to attend private tuitions in the village. The accused waylaid her and took her to the orchard and allegedly raped her. Bindhani allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the incident. He intimidated her to have a physical relationship with him and continued with his dirty tricks for almost three weeks. The victim is presently seven months pregnant.

The parents of the victim, who are daily wage earners, came to know about it after noticing bodily changes in her. Upon confrontation, the minor revealed her ordeal to her parents.

The parents approached a voluntary organization—Maa Ghar—who helped them file a complaint with the district collector.

“As the victim is just 11 years of age and has not attained the right age to conceive, termination of pregnancy or delivery could be life threatening by all counts. Considering the delicate situation, the district administration should provide adequate medical aid to the rape victim,” said Kadambini Tripathy, member of Maa Ghar, Nabarangpur  unit.