Karwar, 8 Feb 

A minor girl, a survivor in a POCSO case, allegedly attempted suicide at a government-run Balmandir (children’s home) in Karwar on Saturday, officials said.

The girl, a native of Haliyal taluk, was rescued last August under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and admitted to the children’s home under the District Child Protection Unit. She was studying in Class 8 at a government high school in Karwar but had not attended classes for the past two weeks due to mental distress.

According to sources, at around 1pm, she allegedly went to an upstairs room when no staff were present and attempted to hang herself. The staff noticed the incident in time, rescued her and shifted her to the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS) Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment in the ICU.

The incident has raised concerns over lapses in supervision and mental-health support. The girl had earlier been treated at NIMHANS and was reportedly under psychological stress.

The home houses around 20 girls with a staff strength of 10. Authorities have ordered a detailed report, and an internal inquiry is underway.

Help is available. Please call Tele Manas at 14416, or SAHAI at 080-25497777 for support.