Jajpur: Amid widespread outrage over the alleged rape of a minor girl and subsequent childbirth, a private nursing home in Odisha’s Jajpur district is likely to be sealed by the authorities over its role.
Officials said that the district health department has given a deadline to the nursing home, which is slated to discharge its last patient on February 20.
The nursing home has been directed not to admit any new patient or undertake any diagnostic tests during the period, said a senior official.
After the deadline of February 20, the authorities will take a decision on sealing the nursing home.
Following allegation of illegal abortion, a team of the district health department visited the nursing home and examined various records and documents at the facility. Preliminary probe by the medical team revealed several irregularities, including conducting illegal abortion without registration and hiding information in CCTV footage.
A 70-year-old man, who has been accused of raping and impregnating the 16-year-old girl, and owner of the nursing home have been arrested by the police.
Meanwhile, the newborn girl, rescued late on Monday night, was taken into custody by the District Child Protection Unit. Following the rescue, the infant was admitted to a hospital at Jajpur Road for treatment. The health condition of the baby was stated to be stable.
After evaluation the infant’s health condition, she was formally handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Sources said the minor mother has also been rescued and further investigation into the incident is underway by the Jajpur Road police.
