A newborn baby girl was rescued by Odisha police from Paikmal, Bargarh district, after her biological parents allegedly sold her for Rs 20,000 due to acute financial distress.
The Titlagarh and Paikmal police teams, working in coordination with the District Child Protection Officer, uncovered the disturbing case based on a tip-off. The child’s parents, Neel Rana and Kanak Rana of Bagader village under Titlagarh limits, admitted to selling the girl due to their inability to sustain their household.
Neel, who has three daughters from his previous marriage, faced worsening economic conditions following his remarriage to Kanak. Their decision, driven by desperation, was thwarted just in time. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of the sale, and the rescued infant has been moved to a safe shelter where she will receive proper care and legal protection.
The incident has sparked concern over rising poverty-induced child trafficking cases in the region, prompting calls for stronger social support systems and more proactive community monitoring.
