Jharsuguda: Badmal police arrested at least two persons from Balbaspur village under Charamal Tehsil in Sambalpur district last night for buying a newborn at a price of Rs 12,000.
The accused have been identified as Ramakrushna Sahu and Pradeep Guru of Balbaspur village.
The raid was conducted at Ramakrushna’s house by Badmal Police late in the night after it got specific information from Jharsuguda district Childline on his involvement in buying a new-born from Banjari village. During the raid the new-born was found in the house of the accused and was rescued.
A couple from Banjari village, Sarita and Raju Ansari had sold their newborn to the accused at Rs 12,000. The couple is currently living on rent in the village. They moved here after their family members came to know about their live-in relationship and forced them out,” Police said.
On the other hand, the mother of the new-born has admitted to the child selling and claimed that she took the step due to extreme poverty.
“I found it difficult to make both ends meet as my partner always lives out of the home. Out of frustration, I entered into an agreement with Ramakrushna before delivery to sell the child at a price of Rs 12,000. While he paid Rs 8,000 in advance with the help of a mediator Pradeep, the rest Rs 4000 was paid to me after I handed over the new-born to him,” said Sarita.
While police have detained the accused duo, the rescued newborn has been handed over to the mother.
Kalinga AI