DNA Test Clears Stepfather in Punakha Teen Pregnancy Case; Investigation Continues

Agencies, Punakha (Bhutan), October 22, 2025 : Police have confirmed that a DNA test has ruled out the stepfather of a 17-year-old girl as the biological father of her baby, bringing a key development in an ongoing investigation into the teenager’s pregnancy and alleged abuse. The case, which has been under investigation since December last year, was first reported by the Punakha Dzongkhag Hospital as a suspected incident of child rape.

According to authorities, the paternity test was conducted as part of the broader inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the girl’s pregnancy. DNA samples from the stepfather, the victim, and her baby were collected and sent for analysis on April 22. The test results confirmed that the stepfather is not the father of the child.

Despite being cleared of paternity, the stepfather was earlier convicted of physically abusing the girl and served a two-month prison sentence. He has since been released, police sources confirmed.

The case surfaced on April 17, when the 17-year-old reported to Punakha police that her stepfather had physically assaulted and sexually harassed her at their residence in Punakha. Following her complaint, authorities initiated an investigation into both the alleged abuse and her pregnancy.

In her statement to police, the girl described how her stepfather assaulted her and accused her of being in a relationship after she returned home from a shop on April 17. Fearing for her safety, she sought refuge at a neighbour’s house. She further alleged that her stepfather made inappropriate sexual demands and comments, including while she was breastfeeding her baby. She also claimed that he had forced her into sexual activity on previous occasions when her mother was intoxicated.

Initially, the teenager told police she did not know how she became pregnant, suggesting it might have occurred when she had consumed alcohol. Later, she disclosed that she had been in a relationship with a man residing in Babesa, Thimphu. Based on this information, Punakha police transferred the case to their counterparts in Thimphu. However, officials reported that the address provided by the victim was unreliable, and the alleged partner could not be traced.

Authorities have stated that the investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case. The victim, a school dropout originally from Samtse, currently lives with her mother and stepfather, both of whom work as daily wage labourers.

Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation while providing necessary support and protection to the victim in accordance with existing laws and child protection protocols.