Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Odisha Woman Adopted in US Alleges Torture and Forced Conversion
Imagine a young woman named Puja, who was adopted by a kind family in the United States when she was 13.
Now, she is 21, and she's made videos saying she is not happy.
She says her new mom is being mean to her and making her sad.
She also says her mom wants her to change her religion, which is not okay.
Puja misses her home in Odisha, India, and is asking for help to come back.
People in Odisha heard her and are trying to help her get back home safely.
A 21-year-old woman from Odisha, adopted by a US-based woman at age 13, has alleged torture and forced religious conversion.
Video clips have emerged showing the woman, identifying herself as Puja, appealing to return to India.
She claims her adoptive mother subjected her to physical and mental torture.
The woman also alleges that her adoptive mother is trying to force her to convert to Christianity.
The Balasore district administration has contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to seek intervention and facilitate her return.
- Who
- A 21-year-old woman from Odisha, identified as Puja, and her US-based adoptive mother.
- What
- Puja has alleged torture and a bid to convert her to Christianity by her adoptive mother, and has appealed to be brought back to India.
- When
- The video clips alleging the mistreatment have surfaced recently; she was adopted 8 years ago when she was 13.
- Where
- The woman is currently in the USA, having been adopted from Odisha.
- Why
- The woman is alleging mistreatment and religious coercion, prompting authorities to seek her return.
Allegations by Puja
US Foster Mother's Perspective (Not detailed in article)
Alleged Torture and Abuse
Allegations by Puja
The 21-year-old woman claims she has been subjected to physical and mental torture by her adoptive mother.
US Foster Mother's Perspective (Not detailed in article)
No statement from the foster mother is provided in the article.
Forced Religious Conversion
Allegations by Puja
The woman alleges that her adoptive mother is trying to force her to convert to Christianity.
US Foster Mother's Perspective (Not detailed in article)
No statement from the foster mother is provided in the article.
Desire to Return to India
Allegations by Puja
She has made appeals, purportedly in video clips, to be brought back to Odisha.
US Foster Mother's Perspective (Not detailed in article)
No statement from the foster mother is provided in the article.
- Subject Name
- Puja
- Current Age
- 21
- Age at Adoption
- 13
- Adoption Location
- USA
- Allegations
- Physical and mental torture, forced religious conversion
- Authorities Involved
- Balasore district administration, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)