Concerns Rise Over Women's Safety in Odisha After Disturbing Incidents

Growing Concerns Over Women's Safety in Odisha

Odisha has been a focal point of discussion recently, particularly regarding the safety of women. There are significant concerns about the lack of guarantees for women's safety in the state. A tragic incident occurred when a student took her own life due to the absence of justice, followed by another alarming case where a girl was set on fire instead of committing self-immolation. Amidst rising worries about sexual exploitation of women in Odisha, police reported on Friday that two minor girls, both 10th-grade students residing in government hostels in Kandhamal district, were found to be pregnant during routine health checks. These cases emerged from two different government residential girls' high schools in the Tumudibandh block of the district. The girls had returned to their hostels after the summer holidays last month. Hostel authorities alerted the police, leading to the filing of two separate FIRs—one at Kotgarh police station (case number 103/2025) and the other at Belghar police station (case number 64/2025). Ramendra Prasad, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Baliguda, stated, 'We have registered two cases and initiated an investigation.'

Pregnancy Discovered During Routine Health Checks

In light of increasing concerns about sexual exploitation of women in Odisha, two 10th-grade girls residing in a government hostel were found to be pregnant during regular health examinations, as reported by the police on Friday. Both minors live in government hostels in Kandhamal district. The incidents were reported from two separate government residential girls' high schools in the Tumudibandh block. After returning to their hostels following the summer break last month, the hostel administration informed the police, resulting in the filing of two distinct FIRs.

Investigation Launched, Two FIRs Filed

The police were promptly notified, leading to the registration of two separate FIRs. One case was filed at Kotgarh police station (case number 103/2025), while the other was lodged at Belghar police station (case number 64/2025). Ramendra Prasad, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Baliguda, confirmed, 'We have registered two cases and commenced an investigation.' He added, 'The circumstances surrounding the pregnancies are being thoroughly examined.'

Rising Concerns Over Sexual Exploitation

These incidents have heightened concerns regarding the safety of girls in institutional care within Odisha. While the investigation is ongoing, these revelations have raised alarms about potential sexual exploitation and the adequacy of safety measures in such institutions.