serious case of alleged police harassment of a 14-year-old minor girl has surfaced in Rajnandgaon district’s Somni area after an erroneous medical report from a Community Health Centre incorrectly declared her pregnant. The incident has triggered widespread outrage, raised concerns over violations of child protection laws and Supreme Court guidelines, and prompted inquiries by police and the Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. According to the family, the girl had been suffering from menstrual health issues and was taken to Somni Community Health Centre on May 25. A pregnancy test conducted using a kit reportedly showed a positive result. Medical Officer Dr. Maunya Sahu informed the family and subsequently alerted Somni Police. Following the report, police summoned the girl’s father to the police station and later directed the family to return in the evening to meet the Station House Officer. The family alleged that despite their objections, police pursued the matter aggressively.

 

That night, after the family had gone to stay at the girl’s maternal uncle’s house in Anjora, a police team allegedly arrived around 9 p.m. and brought the minor girl to Somni Police Station. The family claims the girl was kept at the police station throughout the night and subjected to repeated questioning by a woman constable regarding the alleged pregnancy and her personal relationships. The father further alleged that the child was physically assaulted during the interrogation, including being choked with her scarf and scratched on the face. Around 5 a.m., she was reportedly sent to the Child Welfare Committee Centre in a distressed condition.

 

The following day, after repeated requests from her parents, the girl underwent a second medical examination at the District Hospital in Rajnandgaon. A sonography confirmed that she was not pregnant, exposing the initial report as incorrect. Police subsequently handed her back to her family. The family later submitted a complaint to Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore, alleging harassment based on the false medical report. They also claimed police visited their village, publicly discussed the pregnancy allegation and made inquiries that led to rumours spreading throughout the community, causing severe emotional trauma to the child.

 

Congress leaders, including District President Jitendra Mudaliyar, demanded strict action against the officials involved. A memorandum submitted to the Superintendent of Police called for suspension of the Station House Officer and registration of an FIR against the woman constable. Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma said prima facie negligence had been found on the part of SHO Arun Namdev, who has been suspended pending inquiry. Former Child Welfare Committee member and advocate Amledu Hazra stated that questioning a minor girl at a police station during the night violates legal provisions. Meanwhile, CMHO Dr. Netaram Navratan removed Dr. Maunya Sahu from Somni CHC and transferred the laboratory technician. State Child Rights Commission Chairperson Varnika Sharma said the Commission has sought a report from police, initiated its own inquiry and warned that strict action would follow if violations are confirmed.