Assam: Minor Rape Victim Gives Birth, Newborn Allegedly Sold by Family

A deeply disturbing case of sexual exploitation has surfaced from Assam’s Dibrugarh district, where a minor girl studying in Class 10 gave birth to a baby girl at a private hospital. The incident, which took place in the Moran area, has led to the arrest of the accused man and the detention of a doctor, with police launching a full-scale investigation.

According to sources, the minor girl hails from Mahmora Tea Estate near Demow, under Moran Police Station. She was allegedly lured into a relationship and sexually exploited over several months by one Bharat Munda, a married man. The girl eventually became pregnant, and with the help of her family and the accused, she was admitted to Brahmaputra Hospital, a private nursing home in Dibrugarh.

On June 23, the minor underwent a cesarean section and gave birth to a baby girl. Soon after the delivery, both were reportedly moved to a secret location in Tinsukia, where the newborn was allegedly sold by the girl’s family in an attempt to avoid public scrutiny.

Sources indicate that the entire operation—from concealment of the pregnancy to the illegal sale of the child—was carried out with the knowledge of the family and possibly with the complicity of others.

Meanwhile, the Moran Police launched an investigation after receiving an FIR from the local village head (gaonbura). Acting swiftly, police arrested the accused Bharat Munda on Thursday and remanded him to judicial custody.

In a significant development on Friday evening, Moran Police also detained Dr. Simanta Jyoti Taik, a gynecologist from Demow Model Hospital, who had been overseeing the girl's antenatal care. He is currently being held at Khowang Police Station instead of Moran PS, reportedly due to procedural and security reasons. The doctor is being questioned over possible violations of mandatory reporting norms under the POCSO Act.

Police suspect that several others may be involved in suppressing the incident and facilitating the girl’s secret delivery. Sources say more arrests could follow in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has taken custody of both the minor and the newborn, ensuring their immediate protection and care.

An ASHA worker from the area, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed shock over the incident. “The girl was just a child herself. It's heartbreaking. We hope the culprits are punished strictly, and the child receives the support she needs,” she said.

The case has drawn widespread condemnation, with civil society groups demanding justice for the survivor and accountability from those who failed to protect her.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured that all involved — including medical staff and possible accomplices — will be held accountable under the law.

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