Minor leaves foetus in Himachal Pradesh govt hospital bathroom, claims she was sexually exploited

NAHAN: A foetus was found in the bathroom of a government hospital, with an initial probe indicating that a minor girl—who was allegedly sexually assaulted a few months ago—had suffered a miscarriage on the premises, officials said on Friday.The incident occurred at Rajgarh Civil Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour district on Wednesday. Police identified the minor girl after reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital.According to the probe, the girl visited the hospital complaining of abdominal pain. She later suffered a miscarriage in the bathroom and left the premises, police said.The incident came to light when a sanitation worker noticed a suspicious object in the toilet. On closer inspection, it was confirmed to be a foetus, following which the hospital authorities informed the police.During questioning, the girl alleged that she had been sexually exploited by a young man.Based on her statement, police have registered a case against the accused and initiated an investigation, officials said.The foetus has been sent for forensic examination. Prima facie, its gestational age is estimated to be between four and five months, although official confirmation is awaited, police added.Sirmaur SP NS Negi said that given the sensitive nature of the case, police are treating the matter with utmost seriousness and are conducting a detailed probe.(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)(With agency inputs)