Sitting on a chair in a corner after her medical examination from a board of doctors, a 12-year-old rape victim from Karnal in Haryana gazes with her inquisitive eyes asking her mother, what next?
A class 7 student, for whom life was usual like for any other girl of her age till her mother discovered that the minor was 28-30 weeks pregnant, still has not come to terms with the ordeal in her life and does not even know the literal meaning of pregnancy.
The minor girl has been moving from one hospital to another going through medical examinations and check-ups since February after it was discovered that she was pregnant. The victim was repeatedly raped by a boy known to the family, who has been sent to a juvenile home. As the girl was threatened by him with dire consequences, she did not disclose it to anybody.
The victim, a brilliant student aspiring to make it big in badminton, did not know what fate had in store for her till her mother found that she was pregnant.
Talking to Hindustan Times, the victim said: “I have come here for some medical tests.” Referring to her studies, she said: My favourite subject is Hindi. I am also fond of sports." He mother immediately intervenes. “She is a small girl and does not understand the meaning of pregnancy. We have told her that she is not well,” said the victim’s mother.
“I got her medically examined when I suspected that she is pregnant. I was shocked to know that she was being raped by a boy close to the family,” she said.
Talking to Hindustan Times, the victim said: “I have come here for some medical tests.” Referring to her studies, she said: My favourite subject is Hindi. I am also fond of sports." He mother immediately intervenes. “She is a small girl and does not understand the meaning of pregnancy. We have told her that she is not well,” said the victim’s mother.
“I got her medically examined when I suspected that she is pregnant. I was shocked to know that she was being raped by a boy close to the family,” she said.
“I don’t know what to do now? I never thought this will happen to my daughter. We are shattered and there is no one to help us. I have been spending money on her medical tests and ambulance to get her here from Karnal,” she said.
She is raising her children alone and does not have much means to earn living. Her daughter’s pregnancy has added to her troubles. She is cautious at every step and does not want anyone to know that her daughter is pregnant.
“I have told the school authorities and my relatives that she is not keeping well. If anyone comes to know about her pregnancy, her life will be ruined. She has gone through so much and even the staff at a Karnal hospital, where her medical was conducted, was rude to her,” she said.
“If my daughter delivers a baby, I will have no other option but to give the child for adoption. The pregnancy has changed my daughter. Once chirpy and happy-go-lucky girl, she now remains quiet,” said the victim’s mother.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday constituted a medical board at the PGIMER, Chandigarh, to examine the rape victim whose mother’s plea to abort the child was declined by it last week.