Woman Fakes Pregnancy To Get Govt Benefits In Odisha’s Malkangiri

Malkangiri: A woman in Mathili area of Odisha’s Malkangiri district allegedly faked ‘pregnancy’ for several months to avail of the benefits offered by the government to pregnant women.

The woman has been identified as Kaushalya Bhuyan of Birenpalli village under Mathili block of the district.

When her claims of being pregnant were found to be false during a medical check-up on Monday, the woman alleged that her baby was stolen from the hospital.

It was alleged that Kaushalya consulted an ASHA worker and registered her name with the local Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM). She visited her regularly to receive the items supplied by the government under its welfare scheme for pregnant women.

The matter came to light when she was taken for check-up and an ultrasound test on Monday. When it was found that she had been lying, the woman claimed that she gave birth to a child but the baby was stolen.

It was also found that Kaushalya had undergone a family planning procedure around five years ago.

Kaushalya later told the media that she was taken to the labour room for delivery. However, she was later told that  she was not pregnant, she said.

Her husband Bundu Poti said he was not aware as to how his wife’s pregnancy was detected earlier.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Malkangiri, P K Nanda said an investigation into the matter will be carried out and necessary steps will be taken. The woman has been handed over to the police and they will take necessary steps as per law.