Gujarat : Mehsana Records 131 Pregnant Minors in Four Months, Probe Launched

MEHSANA :A disturbing health record has raised serious concerns in Gujarat’s Mehsana district. As many as 131 girls below the age of 18 were registered as pregnant between April and July 2026, prompting the District Health Department to launch an investigation into whether the pregnancies resulted from child marriages, sexual offences, or other circumstances.

The data, compiled by the Mehsana District Health Department, has triggered alarm among officials and child rights activists. All 131 pregnant minors have been registered on the government’s support portal and are receiving medical care and maternal health services as per official guidelines.

Assistant District Health Officer Praveen Patel said that the registrations were carried out by female health workers across all talukas based on Aadhaar verification.

“From April 2026 to July 22, 2026, we have recorded 131 pregnant girls who are below 18 years of age. The registration has been completed through field-level health workers after verifying Aadhaar details,” Patel said.

He clarified that the figures alone do not confirm that every case is linked to child marriage.

“It cannot be said with certainty that all these pregnancies are due to child marriage. We have initiated the process as per government rules, and further action will be taken after the facts are verified,” Patel added.

Officials said the inquiry will determine whether the pregnancies are linked to child marriages, which are illegal under Indian law, or to sexual offences against minors, which require mandatory reporting and investigation under applicable legal provisions.

The Health Department has referred the matter to the Social Welfare Department for further action as required under government guidelines.

The findings of the investigation are expected to determine the nature of each case and whether legal action is required. The incident has highlighted the need for stronger child protection measures, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of laws against child marriage and crimes involving minors across the district.