Nainital (Uttarakhand), August 07: The disturbing incident from Uttarakhand's Ramnagar has surfaced again on social media. A shocking came to light in October last year, where a 17-year-old drig addict girl allegedly infected around 19 men with Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). A social media post shared on X made the headlines which reignited public concern about the incident.
A post was shared on Wednesday (August 6) which had a few details about the incident. The post read, A 17 year old girl gave HIV to 19 youth in Nainital, Uttarakhand. She was addicted to smack, and to fund her addiction, she engaged in physical relationships with men. The men didn't know that she had HIV. She slept with even some married men, whose wives also got HIV."
Teenage Girl Addicted To Drugs Engaged In Sexual Relations
As per reports, the minor girl was addicted to smack (heroin) and belonged to a financially weaker family. To sustain her drug addiction, she allegedly engaged in sexual activities with multiple men in exchange for money. Over a span of nearly one and a half years, she is believed to have had physical relationships with at least 19 men, many of whom later tested HIV positive.
The matter came to light when several men from Gularghatti complained of health issues and approached the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at Ram Dutt Joshi Combined Hospital. During medical investigation and counselling sessions, it was revealed that all these men had one common link, they had been involved in sexual relations with the same teenage girl.
Infection Reaches Wives Of Married Men
Shockingly, some of the men involved were married and reports suggest that the virus has now spread to their wives as well. The men were reportedly unaware of the girl's HIV status and had unprotected sex with her, leading to further transmission.
The girl is a minor and sexual intercourse with a minor girl is a criminal offence, regardless of consent. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, any adult who engages in sexual activity with a minor can be prosecuted for statutory rape.
Growing Drug Addiction In Teenagers
The incident has raised alarm over growing drug addiction among teenagers, the exploitation of minors and the lack of awareness about HIV and its transmission. The health authorities in our country must intensify awareness campaigns, promote regular testing and provide rehabilitation support for vulnerable youth.
