HC asks SCB team to examine rescued child care centre teen

Cuttack: The Orissa high court has directed the principal of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, to form a team of doctors to examine the physical and mental health, including psychological assessment, of an inmate of Utkal Balashram here, who went missing on Aug 12 last year and was rescued last week.
While directing the principal of the medical college on Tuesday to submit the report to the registrar (judicial) by June 25, the vacation bench of Justices S K Sahoo and S K Mishra said, “If any health-related issues are noticed during such check-up assessment, the same shall be immediately addressed to.”
The bench also directed the collector (Cuttack) to submit by June 25 “a report regarding the plan for rehabilitation, economic stability and future well-being of the boy so that he will lead a meaningful life in the society”.The directions were issued after taking note of the affidavit in which ACP (Cuttack) Swastik Panda stated the teen who went missing from the state-run child care centre in Cuttack, was rescued from the new bus terminus here on May 23.
He had left the centre after staying there for only one day. Keeping the affidavit in view, the vacation bench directed the registrar (judicial) to also “obtain information as what happened to him from August 12, 2023 when he left Utkal Balashram, Cuttack till he was rescued on May 23, 2024,” while recording his statement.
“During this particular period, how he maintained his livelihood, with whom he was staying and whether there was any kind of threat to his life, etc,” the bench specified, while directing that the statements should be kept in a sealed cover. The 18-year-old was also produced before the bench on Tuesday. He expressed willingness to stay with his father. His father also expressed willingness to take care of his son.
“After recording the statement of the boy before the registrar (judicial) and necessary medical examination as directed, the assistant commissioner of police, Zone-VI, Cuttack, shall see that the boy is left in the company of his father,” the vacation bench ordered.