Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Odia Girl Adopted in US Alleges Abuse, Seeks Return to India
A girl from Odisha named Puja was adopted by a family in the United States a few years ago.
Now, she says her new family is treating her very badly, making her work too much, and trying to make her change her religion.
She is scared and says her visa is also out of date, so she can't easily leave.
In a video, she is asking the leader of her home state, Odisha, to help bring her back to India to be with her real family.
She feels she is in danger and wants to come home.
An Odia girl, Puja alias Sejal, adopted by a US couple in 2018, has alleged severe physical and mental abuse.
She claims her foster mother subjects her to excessive household chores, harassment, and threats to her life.
Puja also alleges pressure to convert to Christianity against her will.
Her visa expired in 2023, leaving her in a vulnerable situation in the US.
She has appealed to the Odisha government and Chief Minister to facilitate her safe return to India.
- Who
- Puja alias Sejal, an Odia girl adopted by an American couple
- What
- Alleging severe abuse, coercion, and religious pressure, she is appealing for rescue and repatriation to Odisha.
- When
- Adoption was in 2018; visa expired in 2023; appeal made recently via a video.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To escape alleged mistreatment and return to her home state of Odisha.
Puja's Allegations
Foster Parents' Stance
Treatment and Coercion
Puja's Allegations
Puja alleges physical and mental torture, forced labor, and threats to her life by her foster mother. She also claims pressure to convert to Christianity against her will.
Foster Parents' Stance
The articles do not contain any statements or viewpoints from the foster parents, therefore their stance on the allegations cannot be determined from the provided text.
Legal Status
Puja's Allegations
Puja states her visa expired in 2023, leaving her stranded without legal protection.
Foster Parents' Stance
The articles do not provide information regarding the foster parents' response to or awareness of Puja's visa status.
- Name
- Puja alias Sejal
- Adoption Year
- 2018
- Current Location
- United States
- Alleged Abuse
- Physical and mental torture, forced labor, religious coercion, threats to life
- Visa Status
- Expired in 2023
- Appeal Made To
- Odisha Chief Minister, Odisha Government