Intriguing Child Sale Allegations Shake Odisha

The Odisha government investigates alleged child sales in Rayagada and Bolangir districts due to poverty. A couple reportedly sold their infant for Rs 20,000, while another gave away their newborn. Authorities promise legal action over these unauthorized custody transfers.

The Odisha government has launched an investigation into accusations of child sales in the poverty-stricken districts of Rayagada and Bolangir. In Rayagada, a couple allegedly sold their nine-day-old daughter for Rs 20,000 to a family from Andhra Pradesh. Officials revealed the transaction, despite the couple's denial of receiving money.

Meanwhile, a similar incident in Bolangir involved a couple 'gifting' their newborn daughter due to financial hardships. They reportedly could not manage to raise their six children. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo has ordered a thorough investigation into these alleged transactions.

The state seeks to return the children to their families and promises legal action for bypassing formal adoption procedures. The incidents have sparked a wider discussion on poverty's impact on vulnerable populations.

(With inputs from agencies.)