Balasore Shelter Home Security Breach Attempt
Police in Balasore detained a minor boy on Friday after he allegedly attempted to forcibly enter a shelter home where a recently returned adopted girl from the United States is currently undergoing counselling. The incident has added another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the girl's international adoption case.
The Confrontation at Shelter Home Entrance
According to the official complaint filed by Gopamudra Mohapatra, president of Balasore Nari Sangh, the boy arrived at the shelter home in the morning and was asked to provide identity verification. "The boy appeared to be minor, so we requested his ID. Instead of complying, he insisted on entering the premises and created a scene. We had no option but to call police," Mohapatra stated in her complaint.
The situation escalated when the boy refused to follow security protocols, leading shelter home authorities to contact local law enforcement. Police subsequently took the boy into custody for questioning and necessary counselling sessions.
Extortion Allegations Surface
The complaint further revealed serious allegations against the detained boy. Mohapatra claimed that the boy had previously demanded money from the girl's foster mother in the United States. "We informed police after learning about the monetary demand. The matter is under investigation," the Balasore Nari Sangh president added.
This development comes amid a complex background involving the adopted girl and her younger brother, who were both adopted by a US-based woman in 2018. The case gained national attention earlier this month when the girl posted a video on social media accusing her adoptive mother of torture and forced religious conversion.
Police Investigation and Safety Measures
Balasore police authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into multiple aspects of the case. A senior police officer confirmed, "We have detained the boy for questioning and counselling. Preliminary inquiry suggests he is a minor. We are also verifying the claim that he demanded money from the girl's foster mother. The girl's safety remains our priority."
Police are currently focused on two primary investigative angles: verifying the exact age of the detained boy and thoroughly probing the extortion allegations. The officer emphasized that the girl's protection and well-being are their foremost concerns.
Authorities have confirmed that the girl will continue to stay at the shelter home until her counselling sessions are completed. "We are coordinating with the child welfare committee and the adoption agency to ensure proper care of the girl," the police officer added.
Broader Investigation into Adoption Records
In a related development, Balasore collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikash revealed that officials are examining the historical records of the ashram where the girl resided before her international adoption. "We are coordinating with the officials. Earlier records will help us plan a proper counselling programme for the girl," Vikash stated.
The girl's case took another unexpected turn when, after returning to Bhubaneswar recently, she retracted her earlier allegations against her adoptive mother. She claimed that the accusations were fabricated in an attempt to reunite with her boyfriend in Balasore, adding further complexity to an already complicated international adoption saga.
As investigations continue, child welfare authorities and police remain focused on ensuring the girl's emotional and physical well-being while unraveling the truth behind the various allegations and incidents that have emerged since her return to Odisha.
