Odisha Police Rescue Toddler Sold by Father: A Shocking Tale of Desperation

Odisha Police rescued a young boy allegedly sold by his father in a Nilgiri village. The incident was exposed via a viral video showing the father negotiating the sale. Both the seller and buyer have been detained, while the child is now under the care of the child welfare committee.

In a distressing case that has come to light in Odisha's Barisahi village, police have successfully rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old boy. The child was allegedly sold by his father, Rakesh Kumar Behera, to a buyer for Rs 1 lakh, according to local law enforcement officials.

The situation was uncovered when a video showing Behera negotiating with a potential buyer surfaced on social media, prompting a local activist to file a complaint with the Nilgiri police. Authorities responded promptly, detaining both the alleged seller and buyer while rescuing the child from Chiminibhati area.

Behera, who is a mason, purportedly took this drastic step due to financial difficulties, even receiving Rs 50,000 as an initial payment. The child, born to Behera's second wife who lives separately, is now under the care of the child welfare committee while the investigation continues.

(With inputs from agencies.)