Chandigarh Rape Survivor: Adoption and a Court Trial Lie Ahead

While the health threat might have ended, what about how her life will now change?

Since the day the 10-year-old rape survivor’s pregnancy and impossible delivery made headlines, everyone has been concerned about the health of both. But to put to rest everyone’s apprehensions, concerned doctors said both were doing well.

Relief, that is what all of us feel. We were all anticipating this day. Now both children are fine. Our first focus was on health now we can move on to other things.

Neil Roberts, Chairperson Child Welfare Committee

The family doesn’t want to raise the baby girl.

Neil said the CWC will have one more session with the family outlining the entire process of adoption now. “The surrender should happen by Friday morning,” Roberts said.

‘Discharged In 5-7 Days’

Roberts said both mother and child, will be discharged within five to seven days.

“The doctors are closely monitoring both girls,” he said.

A Women and Child helpline official, who has worked closely on the case, told The Quint that the 10-year-old will take around 2 months to recover from the surgery.

The girl has undergone a major surgery, that she will take 2 months to recover from. After that we will take her for follow-ups and get her admitted to a school after taking permission from her parents.

Women and Child Helpline Official

Roberts said the committee had hinted to the father that they could change the school of the 10-year-old if needed. The father is yet to make his mind up.

No Health Threat Any More, But Other Concerns Stay

While it is a relief the health threat doesn’t exist anymore, the family is yet to go through the paperwork for the adoption process and the court trial. Not to mention a tremendous challenge of the 10-year-old’s integration into society.

The family will continue to pursue the case against the maternal uncle who repeatedly raped the 10-year-old. Which means the court trial will be stretched over an unknown period of time, till the court gives its verdict.

They will continue to recieve counselling from the state.

A women and child helpline official told The Quint the family isn’t keen to relocate, they will stay where they are.

The helpline has been with the family from the moment the the FIR was filed. They helped with their statements and their medical needs afterwards. One of their counsellors has been regularly in touch with the family since that day.