Cops arrest 22-year-old under POCSO after minor wife gives birth
Times of India | 11 September 2026Police were alerted around 9.30 pm on Wednesday after receiving information about the minor’s delivery. Acting promptly on the notification, officers arrested the husband. The accused was produced before the Midnapore Special (POCSO) Court on Thursday.
According to district health department records, teenage mothers currently account for 14 percent of total deliveries in Paschim Midnapore district this year—a notable decline from 21 percent recorded three years ago. Over the past six months, the district logged 2,500 underage pregnancies.
Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Soumya Shankar Sarangi emphasised the role of law enforcement in deterrence: “This is precisely the outcome needed. Strict police action under the law will help reduce teenage marriages. Police must enforce stringent measures to prevent early marriages. Under the leadership of the DSP, district initiatives have already led to a significant reduction in underage pregnancies compared to previous years. Regardless of the patient’s age, the health department will ensure complete and uncompromised medical care, while continuous monitoring remains active to prevent such cases,” he said.
West Midnapore SP Papiya Sultana confirmed that heightened vigil is being maintained across the district in line with state guidelines: “Following the CM’s directives to end child marriage and underage pregnancies, continuous surveillance is underway across the district. Upon receiving the information yesterday, officers immediately arrested the accused. We urge everyone to prioritize the health and physical condition of minors in such situations,” the SP said.
