Odisha Couple & Anganwadi Worker Among 5 Held For ‘Selling’ Newborn Girl

Jajpur: An Anganwadi worker and four others were on Sunday arrested by Dharmasala Police in connection with the alleged selling of a girl child at Sanaraipara village of Odisha’s Jajpur district on January 28.

The arrested persons are the infant’s parents, Kanchan and Natabar Behera, an Anganwadi worker and the couple, who bought the child. The  Anganwadi was arrested for mediating the alleged deal.

According to sources, the newborn was Behera couples’ fourth daughter. As they worked as daily wagers to earn a living, they expressed their inability to raise another child and also shared their concerns with the Anganwadi staffer.

They decided to give the child for adoption to an issueless couple, Natabar told reporters.

Soon after the delivery at Dharamsala Community Health Centre, the girl was allegedly sold to a childless couple of Mahakalapada area in Kendrapada district for Rs 12,000. However, Natabar has denied taking any money in exchange for the girl child

On the other hand, some villagers informed the matter to the district administration, which directed the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to probe the matter.

After an inquiry was submitted, the baby was rescued and five persons were arrested.