Domestic Violence / Adopted to US, Now Crying for Help: Odisha Girl’s SOS Sparks Concern

9 November 2025

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: A heart-wrenching video shared by a young girl named Puja, originally from Odisha, has sparked concern after she alleged severe abuse by her adoptive mother in the United States.

 The video, recorded on a home computer and sent to her childhood friend Amar Nayak in Balasore, shows Puja in tears, pleading for help.

 Puja, now known as Sejal John in the US, was adopted by an American couple in 2018 from a Bhubaneswar-based NGO named Divine Path.

 Her journey began tragically when she was separated from her biological parents during a train journey in Odisha. She was later placed in Nilgiri Balikashram in Balasore by child welfare officials.

Eventually, Puja was transferred to Divine Path, where she was adopted and taken to the US. While her adoption was seen as a new beginning, her recent video reveals a disturbing reality. She alleges that her adoptive mother has been subjecting her to unspeakable abuse.

 The video was sent to Amar Nayak, Puja’s childhood friend and former schoolmate in Balasore. Amar, deeply moved by the message, is now seeking help from authorities to ensure Puja’s safety and investigate the claims.

 The incident has raised serious questions about international adoption protocols and post-adoption monitoring.