Balasore: In a disturbing case from Balasore district of Odisha, police on Saturday rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who was allegedly sold by his father for ₹1 lakh. Two persons, including the child’s father, have been detained for questioning.
The incident took place in Barisahi village under the jurisdiction of the Nilgiri Notified Area Council. The matter surfaced after a video, purportedly showing the father negotiating with a prospective buyer, went viral on social media. A local activist subsequently lodged a complaint at the Nilgiri police station, prompting immediate action.
Acting on the complaint, police traced the child to the Chiminibhati area and safely rescued him. Nilgiri Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pramod Kumar Mallick said the toddler has been produced before the Child Welfare Committee and placed under its care for protection. He added that a detailed investigation is underway to examine all aspects of the case.
The father has been identified as Rakesh Kumar Behera, also known as Kua, a mason by profession. According to police sources, he allegedly received ₹50,000 as an advance payment. During preliminary interrogation, Behera reportedly cited acute financial hardship as the reason for his actions, claiming he was struggling to provide for his four children.
Investigators said Behera alleged that an acquaintance facilitated contact with the buyer. Police also stated that he had married twice and that the rescued child was born to his second wife, who is currently living separately.
Authorities are probing whether the case has links to a wider child trafficking network. Legal proceedings are expected against all those found involved as the investigation progresses.
