Stillbirth cases rising in five Karnataka districts, urban areas worst affected
Dharwad: Five districts of Karnataka are witnessing an increase in stillbirths, with government data showing higher rates in urban areas compared to rural regions.
According to the Health Department, the state’s overall stillbirth rate is 3.41 per cent (per 1,000 births), but some districts are reporting figures as high as 9.30 per cent. Haveri has recorded the highest rate, followed by Dharwad, Chamarajanagar, Gadag and Mysuru reported the Deccan Herald.
Data shows a worrying trend in districts such as Mysuru, Chikkamagaluru, Bengaluru Rural, Ballari and Davangere. These districts earlier had negligible rates but are now reporting a surge in the past three to four years.
In 2020, Karnataka registered 9.33 lakh births, of which 3.31 per cent were stillbirths. Of these, 2.11 per cent were from rural areas and 5.24 per cent from urban areas. In 2024-25, with 9.91 lakh births, the state recorded 3,244 stillbirths, of which 0.19 per cent were in rural areas and 7.28 per cent in urban centres.
The report cited causes including slow fetal growth, breathing problems during delivery, birth-related stress, strenuous work during pregnancy, accidents and medical terminations. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and delay in reaching hospitals also contributed to the risk, doctors said.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said district health officers in affected areas have been asked to submit detailed reports and awareness drives are being conducted to educate women. Dharwad DHO S M Honakeri said a special team has been formed to study the cases and findings will be shared with the government within a month.
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Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
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The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
