15-Year-Old Tribal Girl Found Four Months Pregnant in Odisha's Kalahandi

Despite awareness programmes on child protection and campaigns against child marriage, a 15-year-old girl in Kalahandi has been found four months pregnant, bringing the focus back on child safety in rural areas. The case was reported by Ajit Singh and published by ETV Bharat English Team on September 5, 2026 at 8:04 AM IST, described as a 2‑minute read.

A 15-year-old tribal girl from Bargarh has been found four months pregnant in Kalahandi district's Kesinga ICDS block, prompting intervention by the Child Welfare Committee and district administration.

The girl's family, daily wage labourers with no land, had moved to Kalahandi five months ago seeking a better life. The couple was accompanied by their minor daughter when they arrived. They brought their nephew to live with them because they had no son. Their daughter, who had appeared for her matriculation examination, was staying at a relative's house when the pregnancy was discovered three days ago.

"We brought our nephew and kept him at home. Because we did not have a son. We could not find out anything about their relationship there. If we had known all this before, the matter would not have gone this far," the girl's father said. He added that the family is poor and appealed for government help. "Our daughter has been taken away and kept in Bhawanipatna. We are thinking of bringing her back to us. The Sarpanch told us that we can bring her back in five months. Please help us. We are very poor. We do not have any land or property of our own. We work as daily wage labourers. We do not have the means to go anywhere else. Only the government can save and help our daughter," he pleaded.

After the matter came to light, the administration sprang into action. The girl was rescued in the presence of local Anganwadi workers, members of the Child Welfare Committee and other administrative officials.

Kesinga Child Development Project Officer Sushma Mishra confirmed the administration received information about the pregnancy. "We received information that a 15-year-old girl has become pregnant in the Kesinga ICDS block area. The ICDS supervisor, health department, and police team reached her immediately. After investigation, it was found that the girl is indeed pregnant," she said.

However, Kesinga Police SDPO Sandeep Majhi said police had not yet received a formal report. "I do not have the report. We will find out more once details emerge and we receive the report," he said.

The incident has raised concerns over the effectiveness of awareness efforts aimed at protecting minors, preventing child marriage and ensuring the safety and rights of children. Despite awareness programmes on child protection and campaigns against child marriage, the case highlights gaps in implementation.

Former Kalahandi District Child Welfare Committee chairman Ajay Mishra called the incident "very condemnable" and said that although many programmes are being organised at various levels, there remains a complete lack of awareness at the school and village level.