Woman sells 7-year-old son for Rs 20,000 in Odisha’s Jajpur; father clueless

A woman named Pooja Parida allegedly sold her 7-year-old son for a sum of Rs 20,000 to yet unidentified persons, sending shockwaves throughout the family. The minor has been identified as Sairam Parida.

According to reports, the matter took place in Badasuara village of Jajpur district and came to light this morning when Prasant Parida, the father of the child, launched a frantic appeal for help.

Details of the Case:

Sources reported that the mother and son duo had been living separately owing to marital discord between the couple. However, the father was still in touch with his son and used to provide for his needs.

Prasant narrated to the media that on Thursday, when he returned to work and inquired about the whereabouts of their son, Pooja allegedly stated that she had sold him for Rs 20,000. He also alleged that she stated financial hardships as the reason behind the sale.

“Upon returning from work, she told me that she had sold the child to some men for Rs 20,00 so that she could arrange medicines for her health. Despite begging her to tell me where to find my child, she refused and did not share any other information. I demand my child to be brought back,” said the father.

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Administration Springs Into Action

Reports added that the father has since approached the District Collector for the child's rescue. Meanwhile, the District Child Protection Officer has stated that legal action will be taken following an investigation.

Archana Samanta, District Child Protection Officer of Jajpur, stated that she has taken cognisance of the case and will begin an inquiry today. “If the allegations are true, then due proceedings will be carried out as per law. If the child has indeed been sold, then we will trace and return him to his father at any cost,” she affirmed.

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Till the last reports came in, neither the police nor the child's mother had responded regarding the matter.