Elusive pregnant tribal woman fearing hospital birth remains untraceable, Erode police help sought

A week after a 25-year-old pregnant tribal woman from Solagar Dhoddi in the Thalavadi Hills of Erode district refused hospitalisation for delivery and evaded health officials, a police complaint has been lodged seeking assistance in tracing her.

Shevanthi, wife of Chandran, was scheduled to be admitted to hospital for delivery on July 7, 2025. However, when a health team visited her residence to escort her to the hospital for institutional delivery, she and her family members could not be traced.

Although the family initially maintained contact with staff at the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Bynapuram, they later switched off their mobile phones, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Relatives and neighbours reportedly gave conflicting statements regarding her location.

Despite multiple visits and sustained efforts by the health team to assure the family that Shevanthi would only be taken to the Thalavadi Government Upgraded PHC—with full transportation and medical support to ensure the safety of both mother and child — the family refused to cooperate or reveal her whereabouts.

During a follow-up visit on Monday (July 14), Village Health Nurse P. Jothi was told by a family member, “Shevanthi is fine, but we do not know where she is.”

With all efforts to trace her proving unsuccessful, the health team lodged a complaint at Thalavadi police station. Officers visited the house and conducted inquiries. Police sources said efforts are underway to trace mobile numbers and gather leads through investigation.

S. Kannaiyan, president of the Thalavadi Farmers’ Federation, commended the health team’s persistent efforts and said misconceptions surrounding institutional deliveries among tribal communities should be addressed through awareness campaigns in hilly areas.