Minor delivers baby in school, uncle in police custody

A minor girl, belonging to a tribal community, has delivered a baby girl at the Ashrama School, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Kollegal taluk in the district, much to the shock of the teachers.

The girl, who developed labour pain during classes, delivered the baby at the wash room of the school on Thursday, August 25.

It is said that the girl, who had studied up to fourth standard at her village, was a school dropout for two years. Later, with the initiative of the teachers, she was admitted to the Ashrama School for tribals here for the fifth standard in June this year and was staying at the school hostel.

There are 58 girls and 42 boys in the school. The girl had presented a dance programme during the Independence Day celebrations at the school on August 15. It is said that no one knew that the girl was pregnant.

The girl complained of labour pain on August 25 and before the doctors arrived on the spot, she delivered the baby. A woman teacher and cooks attended to her during the delivery.

According to sources, the girl’s parents had decided to get her married to her maternal uncle Shivu. As soon as the incident came to light, police took Shivu, from Medaganahane hamlet, into their custody. A probe is on.

According to doctors, the baby weighs about two kg and is being treated for jaundice. The mother is healthy.

District SC/ST welfare officer Saraswathi, Kollegal taluk child development officer Nagesh visited the school and the hamlet. Speaking to DH, Saraswathi said, action would be taken against the teacher and the hostel warden for their negligence and for not bringing the issue to the notice of higher officers, she added.