Hyderabad: Police launched a criminal investigation into the Palvancha exam tragedy after a 16-year-old Intermediate student delivered a stillborn baby inside a toilet during her English examination in Palvancha of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
The minor had arrived to write her Intermediate first year English paper. Shortly after the exam began, she sought permission from the invigilator to use the restroom. However, when she did not return for a long time, staff members grew suspicious and went to check on her.
Officials said the girl walked out of the restroom unsteadily. Therefore, examination staff entered the toilet and found a stillborn baby concealed in a bathroom basin. The discovery prompted them to alert higher authorities immediately.
The student was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. During preliminary questioning, she reportedly told officials that she hid the stillborn fearing social stigma. Police recorded her statement as part of the initial inquiry.
Criminal angles examined in Palvancha exam tragedy
Police registered a case and began collecting evidence from the examination centre. Investigators said they were verifying medical details and circumstances surrounding the pregnancy.
Moreover, officers were examining whether any coercion or sexual abuse had taken place. They said the pregnancy of a minor raised serious legal concerns. Therefore, police were exploring the possibility of invoking relevant sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after establishing the facts.
Education department authorities also conducted a parallel inquiry. They sought reports from examination centre staff regarding supervision and response procedures. Furthermore, they reviewed the timeline from the start of the exam to the discovery in the restroom.
Officials stated that further details would emerge only after medical and forensic assessments. The Palvancha exam tragedy has caused concern among parents and residents, while authorities urged the public to await verified findings.
