Twin city police probe minor pregnancy cases, trafficking links

Hubballi

The twin city police have intensified their investigation into two separate incidents of minors giving birth. Teams from both Old Hubballi and Town police stations are actively probing the matter. Police have also launched a probe to determine whether these incidents are linked to child trafficking. The investigation is expected to move in a clearer direction once the two girls give their statements to the police. Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar said the two minor girls, who were sexually assaulted and later delivered babies in separate cases, have not yet been declared medically fit to give statements.

Both are being treated at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi. He added that the accused would be traced and the role of family members examined once the girls are able to speak with investigators. He also noted that the statements given so far by the girls’ family members have not been convincing, and police would look into other angles as well. In the case registered at Old Hubballi Police Station, a 15-year-old girl had conceived for the second time after delivering a baby earlier.

Her baby reportedly had health issues and was handed over to a relative near Karwar for treatment, though the investigation is expected to establish the full facts. When asked whether the deliveries in both cases had taken place at the same hospital, Shashi Kumar said he would share details regarding the alleged role of doctors at an appropriate time. In the second case, registered at Town Police Station, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted and gave birth to a baby. District Health Officer Dr. Parashuram F.K. said the recent incidents involving minor deliveries at Annapoorna Hospital point to a critical gap in the healthcare reporting system.

While the hospital managed the medical emergencies safely, he said, its failure to promptly notify authorities about these under-18 pregnancies remains a serious concern. “We have formed a dedicated inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly,” he said. “Although the parents attempted to conceal the pregnancies, medical institutions bear a legal responsibility to report such cases immediately. We are also addressing gaps in urban healthcare monitoring. Strict action will follow the investigation report to ensure all hospitals adhere strictly to local government guidelines and child protection laws.”

District Child Protection Officer Prakash Kodliwad said recent reports of a sharp surge in minor pregnancies across Dharwad district are inaccurate. He clarified that the figure is likely inflated due to how data is entered on the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal. “The Health Department registers all expectant mothers on the RCH portal when issuing the ‘Thayi Card’ (Mother’s Card). However, the portal groups ages up to 19 years together,” he said. “This broader age category inevitably inflates the numbers.

The actual instances of underage pregnancies — strictly those under 18 — are significantly lower.” His office reported concerning trends in child safety, with 33 POCSO cases registered between April and June alone. The previous financial year (2025–26) recorded 90 such cases. Of these, 29 resulted in medical termination of pregnancy (MTP).