Infant Allegedly Sold for Rs 35,000 in Bhadrak Village to Clear Debt
Police in Bhadrak district have launched a major investigation after a shocking case emerged from Bayanbanapur village. A one-month-old baby girl was allegedly sold by her own parents for thirty-five thousand rupees. The parents reportedly took this desperate step to repay a loan of fifty-five thousand rupees.
Grandmother's Complaint Exposes the Tragedy
The heartbreaking incident came to light when the infant's fifty-five-year-old grandmother, Sabitri Das, filed a formal police complaint on Tuesday. She told authorities that her son, Sipu Das, and daughter-in-law, Reena Das, took the baby out on Monday. They claimed they were going to a hospital.
However, the couple returned home without their child. When Sabitri asked about her granddaughter, she faced a harsh reaction. "They scolded me and even tried to beat me with sticks," Sabitri stated in her complaint. She firmly believes her son, daughter-in-law, and Reena's mother conspired together. She alleged they planned to either sell or kill the innocent child.
Police Action and Parental Confessions
Acting swiftly on the complaint, Bhandaripokhari police registered a case and started an immediate probe. Officers detained the child's parents and Reena's mother for detailed interrogation.
During questioning, Sipu Das, also known as Swastik, made a startling confession. He admitted to selling his newborn daughter. He said he needed the money to repay a loan taken from a relative and other lenders. Sipu claimed constant pressure from the moneylenders forced him into this terrible act.
Reena Das provided a slightly different account. She stated her husband had borrowed approximately fifty-five thousand rupees from various people. When he could not arrange the repayment money, she alleged he forced her to agree to sell their child.
Reena has two sons, aged ten and twelve, from a previous marriage. This is Sipu's first marriage.
Search for the Child and Community Outrage
Initial reports suggest the infant was sold in the Rajabagicha area of Cuttack. Police officials say this information requires confirmation. A concerted effort is now underway to trace and rescue the baby girl. Authorities are working closely with Childline and other child protection agencies.
ASP Arup Abhishek Behera confirmed the ongoing investigation. "We have received a complaint regarding the alleged sale of a newborn. An investigation is in progress. We are taking the help of Childline and other agencies to ascertain the facts and trace the child," he said.
The alleged act has sparked widespread condemnation in the village. Locals describe it as a profound betrayal of basic parental duty. Prashant Sahu, a villager, explained that the grandmother first approached community members. They then helped her report the matter to the police. Sahu demanded strict legal action against everyone involved and the immediate recovery of the child.
Legal Experts Call for Strict Punishment
Senior advocate Gadadhar Bal commented on the case's broader implications. He said such incidents highlight the extreme vulnerability of infants. They also underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws.
"Selling a newborn is a serious crime and a gross violation of child rights. Those responsible must face stringent punishment," Bal asserted. The case continues to develop as police pursue all leads to find the missing infant.
