Juvenile Hospitalized After Suspected Suicide Attempt at Rourkela Safety Facility
A juvenile from Bolangir district was rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital in critical condition after consuming phenyl inside the Place of Safety, a state-run juvenile detention centre.
The incident occurred Saturday morning within the Special Jail premises, where the minor was housed under state custody.
Authorities confirmed the act as a suicide attempt and launched an immediate inquiry led by the Jail Superintendent and local police. While the motive remains unclear, medical staff continue to monitor the juvenile’s condition closely.
This marks the second such incident at the same facility in recent months. In June, another juvenile from Ganjam district consumed phenyl and required emergency hospitalisation, raising serious concerns among child rights activists and legal experts.
Experts have criticised the facility for lacking adequate psychological counselling and monitoring systems. Families of inmates have demanded greater transparency and improved care standards.
In response, the Odisha government acknowledged the issue and pledged to review existing safety protocols.
Officials announced plans to introduce mental health assessments and enhance staff training to prevent future incidents.
Originally designed to rehabilitate juveniles in conflict with the law, the Place of Safety now faces mounting scrutiny for failing to protect vulnerable inmates.
Activists are calling for urgent reforms to restore public trust in the juvenile justice system.
