Hyderabad: The Palvancha exam centre tragedy came to light 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 student had arrived to write her Intermediate first year English paper. However, shortly after the examination began, she sought permission from the invigilator to use the restroom. When she did not return for a long time, staff members grew suspicious and went to check on her.
According to officials, the girl was seen walking out of the restroom unsteadily. Therefore, examination staff entered the toilet to verify the situation. Inside, they found a stillborn baby concealed in a bathroom basin. The discovery shocked the staff and triggered immediate alerts to higher authorities.
During questioning, the minor reportedly admitted that she hid the stillborn in the basin fearing social stigma. She allegedly told officials that she acted to avoid suspicion and protect her reputation. Police said they recorded her statement as part of the preliminary inquiry.
The student was later shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, education department officials and police initiated a detailed investigation into the Palvancha exam centre tragedy.
Palvancha exam centre tragedy triggers criminal probe
Police registered a case and began collecting evidence from the examination centre. Officials said they were verifying medical details and circumstances surrounding the pregnancy. They were also examining whether any coercion or abuse had taken place.
Investigators stated that the minor’s pregnancy raised serious legal concerns. Therefore, police were exploring the possibility of booking the individual responsible for her pregnancy under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Officers said relevant sections would be invoked after establishing facts.
Education department authorities also conducted a parallel inquiry. They sought reports from the 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 clarified that further details would emerge only after medical and forensic assessments. As of now, they said, the inquiry remained ongoing.
The Palvancha exam centre tragedy has caused concern among parents and local residents. However, authorities refrained from speculation and urged the public to await verified findings.