Arise Bharat

A tragic and shocking incident has come to light at the St. Joseph Convent Hostel, run under the Diocese of Eluru, raising serious questions about accountability and oversight within church-run institutions. A newborn, expected to be safely cradled in its mother’s womb, tragically died moments after birth. The incident involves a teenage girl from Nandyal, a second-year intermediate student staying at the hostel.

On Sunday morning, a nearby apartment resident witnessed a woman throwing a newborn out of a window and immediately alerted the authorities. Police, led by 2-Town Circle Inspector Ramana, rushed to the scene. Officials from the Women and Child Welfare Department discovered the lifeless infant in a vacant area behind the hostel. The baby, believed to have been born recently, was found with its umbilical cord intact and bloodstains around the site.

DSP Shravan Kumar, heading the investigation, questioned the hostel administrators. The teenage mother, reportedly in poor health after delivery, was transported to Sarvajana Hospital via emergency services. The infant’s body was sent to the hospital morgue for further examination. Police have also interrogated the girl’s roommates and friends and deployed forensic teams to gather evidence.

Initial investigations suggest that the girl, who was undergoing training to become a nun at the convent, may have been involved with a trainee Christian Father. Allegations have surfaced about possible misconduct involving a trainee Father from a nearby center, and a suspect has reportedly been taken into custody for questioning.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the hostel’s administration and its apparent lapses in supervision. Questions have been raised about how the girl’s pregnancy went unnoticed, despite visible changes in her condition. Reports indicate that fellow residents assisted in the delivery but failed to alert authorities, exacerbating the situation.

DSP Shravan Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered and that investigations are ongoing. This tragedy highlights systemic shortcomings in institutional care and safety measures, demanding accountability and reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

About St. Joseph Convent:

St. Joseph Convent in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, operates under the Diocese of Eluru and is part of the larger network of Christian missionary institutions in India. It serves as a center for education and religious training, specifically aimed at preparing young women for a life of service as nuns in the Christian faith. The institution emphasizes discipline, spiritual development, and community service.

The recent tragic incident has raised serious concerns about administrative oversight, particularly in how the management monitors the well-being and behavior of students. Allegations of misconduct by a trainee Father have also called into question the moral and ethical safeguards in place to protect young women within the institution.

This incident has placed St. Joseph Convent under intense scrutiny, with authorities and the public demanding accountability and reforms.

Source : Eenadu