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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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
