In a shocking incident from Bihar, a young mother's ordeal ended with a tearful reunion after police successfully rescued her newborn son, who had been sold by his own grandmother. The heart-wrenching case from Narayanpur village in Bhojpur district highlights the grim realities of illegal child trafficking networks operating in the region.
A Mother's Agony and a Grandmother's Betrayal
The nightmare began for Khushboo Kumari, a resident of Narayanpur village, when her infant son went missing. Unbeknownst to her, the child's own grandmother had orchestrated his sale to child brokers. The motive, as revealed by police investigations, was to "teach a lesson" to Khushboo and her husband for their love marriage. The grandmother, disapproving of the union, resorted to this extreme act of vengeance.
The newborn was reportedly sold for a sum of Rs 50,000 to a quack (unqualified medical practitioner) in Rohtas district. This transaction set off a chain of events that would see the child trafficked further away from his family. The Bhojpur police, led by Garhani Station House Officer (SHO) Kamaljeet, launched a dedicated investigation into the disappearance.
Police Investigation Leads to Recovery
Through diligent efforts, the police team traced the child's journey. After the initial sale, the infant was later sold again, this time to a woman residing in the neighbouring state of Jharkhand. Acting on gathered intelligence and applying significant pressure, the police secured the child's return from Jharkhand.
The reunion took place on Saturday, 13 days after the child was first sold. Khushboo Kumari was finally able to hold her son again, bringing an end to a traumatic period of separation. SHO Kamaljeet confirmed the arrests, stating, "All seven accused, including the grandmother and her associates, have been arrested." The police action dismantled a segment of the child trafficking ring involved in this particular crime.
Broader Implications and a Call for Vigilance
This case throws a harsh light on several critical social and legal issues:
- Crime Against Innocence: The targeting of a newborn for a family dispute is a severe crime that has sparked outrage.
- Child Trafficking Networks: The ease with which the child was sold twice points to the existence of active illegal networks.
- Social Pressures: The root cause—opposition to a love marriage—underscores deep-seated social prejudices that can lead to extreme actions.
The successful rescue by the Bhojpur police is a commendable act that has brought relief to the affected family. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous vigilance against child trafficking and stronger mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable in society. The arrests of all seven accused offer hope for justice and a deterrent against such heinous acts in the future.
