Motihari, Aug 25: A newborn baby was allegedly sold for Rs 4.5 lakh in Bihar’s Motihari district, leading to the arrest of five people, including the child’s parents, the alleged buyer and two intermediaries, police said on Tuesday.
The alleged transaction came to light after a dispute broke out among those involved over the division of the money paid for the baby, according to police.
The newborn was subsequently recovered safely and, being a newborn, will remain with the mother for the time being, police said.
SDPO Dilip Kumar said the child’s parents, residents of Pakariya in Harsiddhi, allegedly sold the baby to Chinta Devi, a resident of Ghodasar.
Police identified Shobha, described as a worker, and Danya Khatun as the two intermediaries who allegedly facilitated the transaction.
The five accused — the child’s parents, the alleged buyer and the two intermediaries — have been arrested and sent to jail, police said.
Police have recovered Rs 1.5 lakh allegedly linked to the transaction and are making efforts to recover the remaining amount.
The case was reportedly uncovered not through the initial alleged transaction but following a dispute over the brokerage amount retained by the intermediaries, police said.
Expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale, Kumar said, “It is a matter of concern for society that someone would sell their own child for financial gain, without considering how the child would be cared for there.”
The immediate focus is now on the newborn’s welfare. Police said the child would remain with the mother for now, while further decisions regarding custody and care would be taken in accordance with court directions.
“The investigation and further action will continue according to the directions of the court,” Kumar said.
Police said further investigation is underway and efforts are continuing to recover the remaining money allegedly involved in the transaction.
