Bhubaneswar: A minor girl was rescued from the house of a retired doctor in the Balikuda police station area of Jagatsinghpur district on Friday night following allegations of exploitation and mistreatment.
According to reports, the girl, a resident of the Bantala area in Bhadrak district, was brought to Bhubaneswar by a private nursing agency operated by Subhashree Swain from the Nayapalli area. The agency had allegedly promised job training in the city and assured employment after she attained adulthood.
However, instead of providing training or employment, the agency allegedly sent her to Jagatsinghpur, where she was placed at the residence of retired CDMO Dr. Maheswar Pradhan. The girl had reportedly been working there since June 15, 2026, performing domestic chores, including cleaning and childcare.
The minor alleged that she was not provided proper food, was denied contact with her family, and was subjected to mental pressure. She later managed to inform her father about her situation.
Following a complaint lodged by her family at the Balikuda police station, police rescued the minor from the house. She has been kept in safe custody, and a detailed investigation has been initiated into the matter.
The girl’s father alleged that he was initially told his daughter would undergo training in Nayapalli and later be given employment after turning 18. He further claimed that she was subsequently taken to Jagatsinghpur and made to work under poor conditions without proper food or communication facilities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maheswar Pradhan has denied the allegations, stating that the agency had informed them that the girl was 19 years old according to her Aadhaar records, and that the accusations of harassment are false.
Further investigation is underway.
