Bhadrak infant sale case: Child Rights panel reviews child's health, assures stringent action

In a recent development in the alleged sale of a 40-day-old baby girl in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, a member of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) visited the district headquarters hospital to review the case and the infant’s condition on Wednesday. The visit comes amid an ongoing police investigation into the matter, which surfaced earlier this week.

OSCPCR member Manasmita Khuntia visited the Bhadrak DHH and held discussions with officials regarding the incident. She enquired about the health condition of the baby girl, who is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Khuntia stated that an immediate investigation would be conducted and assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty. She further informed that the mother, the baby girl and other family members would be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on Wednesday for further proceedings.

Authorities Assure Swift And Sensitive Action

Speaking on the matter, Manasmita Khuntia said, “On behalf of the government, all officials, including the DCPO, have treated this case sensitively and very promptly. I would extend my gratitude for handling this so well. This is a serious incident and everyone involved will face strict action. An FIR has also been registered in the case.”

Subrat Biswal, Chairperson of the District Child Welfare Committee, said, “We met both the child and her mother at the hospital and counselled her. The child is stable and in good health. There was no major injury. After the CWC meeting, we will decide the next course of action. Whoever is found responsible, whether the mother or the father, will face strict action.”

Also Read: Month-old baby sold for Rs 20,000 in Odisha’s Bhadrak; rescued from Cuttack

Background Of The Case

The incident came to light after the baby’s grandmother alleged that the parents had sold the infant in Bayabanapur village under Bhandaripokhari police station limits in Bhadrak district. Following the complaint, Bhandaripokhari police rescued the baby girl from Cuttack and admitted her to the Bhadrak district headquarters hospital.