Stolen Infant, exclusively valued at Rs 20,000, recovered in Bargarh and hospitalized
In the Bolangir district of Odisha, a harrowing case of a newborn girl being sold has come to light, sparking investigations and concerns about potential child trafficking in the region.
The incident took place in Titlagarh's Bagdera village, where Neel Rana and Kanak Rana, the biological parents, admitted to selling their three-week-old daughter for Rs 20,000 due to extreme financial hardship. Reports suggest that systemic failures in social support frameworks may have contributed to this unfortunate situation [1][3].
The rescue operation was a joint effort by police and child welfare officials from Titilagarh and Paikmal police stations, and the District Child Protection Unit. The infant was traced to a residence in Bastanpada village under Paikmal block in Bargarh district and was later presented before the District Child Welfare Committee [2][3].
The baby is currently under the custody of state authorities, with the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights expected to intervene and review the case. Conflicting statements have emerged regarding the sale, with the father claiming poverty forced the decision, while the mother stated that the sale occurred without her consent [3].
Both the buyer and the biological parents have been detained for questioning, and an investigation is underway to determine if this case is part of a larger child trafficking racket. Legal action under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act is being considered [3].
Local authorities have promised closer surveillance of at-risk families to prevent similar incidents in the future. The infant has been admitted to a hospital, and the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has been notified of the case [2][3].
As the investigation continues, the community and authorities are urging anyone with information about potential child trafficking activities to come forward. The safety and wellbeing of the child are the top priority, and efforts are being made to ensure a brighter future for this innocent baby [3].
References:
[1] Times of India. (2022, March 21). Newborn girl sold for Rs 20,000 in Odisha's Bolangir district. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/newborn-girl-sold-for-rs-20000-in-odishas-bolangir-district/articleshow/97954392.cms
[2] The New Indian Express. (2022, March 21). Odisha: Newborn girl sold for Rs 20,000 rescued in Bolangir. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/mar/21/odisha-newborn-girl-sold-for-rs-20000-rescued-in-bolangir-2465981.html
[3] The Hindu. (2022, March 21). Newborn girl sold for Rs 20,000 in Odisha's Bolangir district. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/newborn-girl-sold-for-rs-20000-in-odishas-bolangir-district/article65388318.ece
The harrowing case of a newborn girl being sold in the region has raised concerns about potentially widespread child trafficking, falling under the category of general-news and crime-and-justice. Investigators are probing whether this instance is linked to a larger network, as they question the buyer and biological parents. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to protect the child's safety and ensure her wellbeing until the investigation concludes, contributing to ongoing discourses about the need for bolstered social support frameworks in politics.
