School Toilet Birth: Karnataka Authorities Investigate Sexual Assault of Class 9 Student

A Class 9 student at a government residential school in Yadgir district, Karnataka, delivered a baby in a school toilet on August 27. Police were alerted after the student’s classmates noticed she was in labor. The student, who was the victim of sexual assault approximately nine months prior, was full-term pregnant. The girl initially hesitated to share details but later confirmed the birth. Both the girl and the baby received medical attention and are in stable condition. A POCSO case has been filed against a 28-year-old man, and additional cases have been registered against the hostel warden, school principal, a staff nurse, and the victim’s brother for not informing the authorities about the pregnancy. The Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Association (KREIS) has taken immediate action, suspending four school employees due to negligence and dereliction of duty. Authorities are actively investigating the matter, promising a thorough review and subsequent action. They also plan to address issues such as unreported pregnancies and potential child marriage, with the goal of preventing similar incidents in the future. A member of the Child Rights Commission stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups and increased attention from school officials to student health.