Balangir/Bargarh: A newborn baby girl in Odisha’s Balangir district, allegedly sold by her parents for Rs 20,000, has been rescued from Paikmal in Bargarh district. The infant has been admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College in Balangir for medical care, officials said on Monday.

Acting on a tip-off about the sale of the newborn baby, a team comprising the Child Protection Officer and Childline officials visited Bagdera village under Titlagarh block in Balangir district and summoned the child’s father to the local police station for interrogation.

Police sources revealed that the couple, already parents to a daughter, had recently welcomed another baby girl. Days after birth, they allegedly sold the infant to a couple from Paikamal in Bargarh district. The parents confessed to the act, citing extreme poverty and exclusion from government welfare schemes.

According to sources, the man had a previous wife with three daughters and is currently married again with two more daughters. The family, living in extreme poverty and unable to support their children, allegedly sold the newborn for Rs 20,000.

Titlagarh MLA Naveen Jain visited the family and held discussions to understand their circumstances. Following his intervention, the family was provided with government assistance, including a ration card. The family also received financial support under the Subhadra scheme.

MLA Jain criticized the previous BJD government, stating that its negligence had left vulnerable families without access to essential welfare programs. “This tragedy is a result of systemic failure of the previous BJD government, which ruled the state for 24 years. No family should be forced into such desperation in the current government,” he said.

The incident has reignited discussions around child trafficking and the urgent need for inclusive welfare outreach, while social activists call for stronger safeguards and outreach to vulnerable communities.

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