LUDHIANA – The 17-year-old girl who was set on fire by a jilted lover in Shimla Colony in Jodhewal Basti area on October 6 was over two months pregnant.
This came to light when police asked hospital authorities to send the DNA samples of the victim, suffering over 90 per cent burn injuries.
The victim is undergoing treatment at CMCH since October 6 and her condition is stated to be critical. Kanwal Masih, Medical Superintendent, CMCH, said, “The girl was around 12-weeks pregnant. Due to excessive burn injuries, the foetus could not be retained. The foetus was handed over to the victim’s family and police was duly told about it.” Police sources said the foetus was removed on October 8 and handed over to the family members. Parents of the victim refused to comment, while Sonu, paternal uncle of the victim, expressed shock.
An official said on the condition of anonymity, “It was a burn case. How can we ask the parents whether the girl was pregnant or not? It could tantamount to outraging a girl’s modesty.” It is not yet clear whether the foetus has been dumped or it has been kept by the parents.
“If the foetus was preserved by the parents, it could prove to be vital evidence for the victim’s family and could land the accused in trouble,” said the police officer. The incident took place on the morning of October 6, when the victim was on her way to a dairy. According to the victim’s statement, Gopi, along with his friend, stopped her near a vacant plot close to her house.
