Nashik doctor among 11 booked for allegedly concealing minor's pregnancy
Ayurveda Practitioner booked
Nashik: A doctor is among 11 individuals booked by the Malegaon Camp police in connection with the alleged concealment of the pregnancy and delivery of a 16-year-old girl at a private hospital in Malegaon.
The case has raised serious concerns over alleged violations of mandatory reporting norms under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the news reports, nine of the accused, including medical staff at the hospital, the man accused of impregnating the minor, and several of the girl’s relatives, have been arrested. Among those taken into custody is a former superintendent of Malegaon General Hospital who later entered private practice after retirement.
The incident reportedly occurred on June 3, when the minor was admitted to a private hospital in Malegaon and delivered a baby girl. Authorities allege that the hospital failed to notify officials about the case, despite the legal obligation to report pregnancies involving minors.
“A 16-year-old pregnant girl was admitted to a private hospital in Malegaon. It was the duty of the doctors of the hospital to inform the govt authorities about the pregnancy of a minor girl, but they failed to do so. She delivered a baby girl on June 3. The newborn was critical and hence was referred to another private hospital, while the mother was discharged and sent home. Meanwhile, no one went to see the newborn where she was admitted. The information reached officials of the Malegaon Civil Hospital,” said assistant inspector Pankaj Nikam, of the Malegaon Camp police station, reports TOI.
A senior doctor from the Civil Hospital traced the case back to the private hospital where the delivery had taken place. Following a complaint lodged by the superintendent of Malegaon General Hospital, police registered an FIR in the early hours of Sunday and launched an investigation.
The accused were produced before a court, which remanded them to custody until June 12. Further investigation is underway.
Also Read:PCPNDT Violations in Mandya: 3 doctors arrested for illegal scans of minors
