Did Poverty Drive Parents to Sell Their Newborn in Jharkhand?
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Key Takeaways
Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), Jan 27 (NationPress) The alleged kidnapping of a newborn in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, has been uncovered as a fabricated story, officials reported on Tuesday. Instead of being taken by a stranger, the infant was sold by her parents due to dire financial struggles.
The police successfully located the baby and returned her to her mother.
On January 24, Baby Devi, a resident of Bahimar village in the Katkamandi police precinct, welcomed her sixth child into the world. Faced with extreme economic difficulties, the family resolved to sell the infant, as caring for their five other children had already proven overwhelming.
Feeling unable to care for the newborn, the couple reached out to a relative, Meena Devi (also referred to as Malti Devi), via friend Devanti Devi, and sold the baby to her.
On January 26, a false narrative emerged near Laxmi Petrol Pump in the Sadar police area, claiming that an unidentified woman had abducted a three-day-old baby from a woman visiting Hazaribagh for medical attention.
This alarming report incited outrage among locals, leading to road blockages and angry protests against the police.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the police acted promptly, reviewing CCTV footage, tracking mobile locations, and investigating family backgrounds. During intensive questioning, Baby Devi disclosed the entire plot.
As a result, authorities apprehended Meena Devi, alias Malti Devi, in the Chauparan area and safely retrieved the newborn, who was subsequently returned to her mother.
Police officials indicated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize all aspects related to misinformation dissemination, conspiracy theories, public unrest, and road blockages.