Probe Launched Into Alleged Pregnancy and Misconduct at Chhattisgarh Hostel

Authorities in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district have ordered a probe into allegations that a student at a government-run residential school was impregnated and forced to undergo an abortion. A five-member panel, led by SDM Anjor Singh Paikra, has two days to submit its findings.

Authorities in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district have initiated an investigation following a complaint that a student of a government-run residential school got pregnant and was subjected to an abortion to cover up the incident, an official said on Saturday.

The district collector has ordered a five-member probe panel, led by sub-divisional magistrate Pakhanjur area Anjor Singh Paikra, to submit its report in two days, the official added.

The sarpanch and residents of Chhote Bethiya village brought up the issue with local MLA Vikram Usendi, who then notified Kanker collector Nilesh Kshirsagar.

Usendi, who represents the Antagarh seat, told reporters that after visiting the Bande area, a villager complained about misconduct by the female superintendent of the hostel for girls in Chhote Bethiya.

The complaint alleges that the superintendent was running the facility according to her wishes, even forcing students to work for her.

It further notes that the superintendent, who was meant to stay overnight at the hostel, frequently spent nights at her home, leaving the girls in care of another staffer.

Villagers claim that one female student was impregnated by an unknown person and was forced to have an abortion.

They are demanding the superintendent’s removal and have alleged that she was sending students to a church to try to convert them.

In response, the collector has suspended hostel superintendent Vinita Kujur and appointed a new superintendent, as per an official statement.

A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter, with a report due in two days.