- By News Desk
- Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:03 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A video of Puja, also known as Sejal, a girl from Balasore, Odisha, who was adopted by an American couple in 2018, has gone viral. In the video, she appeals to Chief Minister Mohan Manjhi, saying, “Please bring me back home, I am facing a lot of torture.”
“I humbly request the Odisha Chief Minister to bring me back home. I am tortured a lot here. I want to return to Odisha and find my real parents,” she said in the video, breaking down into tears.
ALSO READ: Telangana Shocker: Real Estate Buisnessman Beats Wife To Death With Cricket Bat After Heated Argument
Reports indicate that Puja, who was living in a shelter home under Childline at the time of her adoption, has faced physical and mental abuse in the United States. She alleges her adoptive mother forces her into daily household chores, deprives her of food and sleep, and beats her when she resists. Puja also stated that her visa expired in 2023, leaving her without legal status, and claimed her adoptive mother is pressuring her to convert to another religion, threatening her life if she refuses.
“They have attempted to kill her twice,” said Puja’s friend Amar Das, who has been helping share her plea online.
Born in 2006, Puja was separated from her parents while traveling by train outside Odisha. She was rescued by Childline and brought back to the state. Initially, she was placed in Nilagiri, Balasore, and later at a Kanya Ashram in Naharkanta, Bhubaneswar, from where she was adopted by an American couple seven years ago.
In 2023, Puja reconnected with Amar, a former schoolmate, via social media. Learning about her situation, Amar circulated her video widely online to raise awareness about her plight.
The case has raised concerns over international adoption practices. Experts have urged government intervention through the Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy to ensure Puja’s safe return.
While the Odisha state government has not yet officially responded, sources say the Chief Minister’s Office is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Child Protection Commission. The incident has sparked widespread attention on social media, with the hashtag #BringPujaHome trending across Odisha.