Parents Arrested After Selling Newborn for Rs 1.2 Lakh

In Maharashtra, a one-month-old infant was reportedly sold by his parents for Rs 1.2 lakh, or approximately £1,200. The child, born on July 5, was recovered in Hyderabad after passing through several individuals in a case of alleged child trafficking. The police have confirmed that the parents, who work as labourers and are in a live-in relationship, spent part of the money on mobile phones and gold jewellery.

The details of the case emerged when the child’s mother approached the authorities, prompting an investigation. Initial reports indicate that the baby was handed over to Seema Reshwal for Rs 1.2 lakh. Reshwal subsequently sold the infant to Sangeeta Avhad for Rs 2.7 lakh. Following this, Avhad allegedly transferred the child to Suresh Guntuka in Nanded for Rs 3.5 lakh. Within a span of approximately 48 hours, the baby changed hands multiple times, with each transaction increasing in value.

Eventually, the police managed to locate the child in Hyderabad. He was returned to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and is currently placed at a child-care institution for protection and rehabilitation.

Authorities have arrested seven individuals, including the parents, as part of this ongoing investigation. The police are now working to ascertain whether there is a larger child trafficking network involved. Although the investigations are still in their early stages, officials indicate that they have not yet found links connecting the arrested individuals to other similar cases.

The plight of the infant underscores alarming issues surrounding child trafficking in India and raises questions about the circumstances that would compel parents to make such desperate choices. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full scope of the situation, including any further implications for child welfare in the region.