Rajkot: Police File Rape Case After Minor with Learning Difficulties Found Nine Months Pregnant
In a distressing incident from Gujarat's Surendranagar district, police have registered a complaint of rape after a 16-year-old girl with learning difficulties was discovered to be nine months pregnant. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the local community, was reported from the Dasada–Patdi taluka area near Rajkot.
Mother Files Complaint Against Unknown Person
The 41-year-old widowed mother of the victim filed the official complaint at the Zinzuwada police station, naming an unknown individual as the perpetrator. According to the complainant, she resides with her two children—a son and the daughter born in 2009—at her parents' house following her husband's death five years ago.
The mother recounted that she first noticed her daughter's abdomen swelling approximately three months ago, prompting her to seek medical advice. She took the girl to a private clinic, where a doctor informed her that the minor was already in her sixth month of pregnancy.
Delayed Reporting Due to Social Stigma
Upon learning of the pregnancy, the mother questioned her daughter about the circumstances. However, the girl, due to her learning difficulties, could not provide clear information or identify the person involved. The complainant admitted that she hesitated to report the matter earlier, primarily due to fear of social stigma and potential backlash within their community.
The situation escalated when the girl was taken to a government hospital on January 26, a week prior to the complaint, after experiencing abdominal pain. Medical examinations at the hospital revealed that the girl had entered her ninth month of pregnancy and could deliver at any moment.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the complaint, police have registered a formal case against an unnamed person under relevant sections of the law. Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the details of the incident and identify the accused. The case highlights critical issues surrounding the protection of vulnerable minors and the challenges faced by families in reporting such sensitive matters.
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced awareness and support systems for individuals with disabilities, as well as stronger legal mechanisms to address crimes against minors in rural and semi-urban areas of India.
