Balasore: In a shocking incident reported from Balasore district, police on Saturday rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who was allegedly sold by his father to a man for ₹1 lakh. Two persons, including the child’s father, have been detained in connection with the case.
The incident occurred in Barisahi village under the Nilgiri Notified Area Council limits. The matter came to light after a video purportedly showing the father negotiating with a prospective buyer circulated widely on social media. Following this, a local activist filed a complaint at the Nilgiri police station, prompting swift police action.
Acting on the complaint, police traced the child to the Chiminibhati area and rescued him. Nilgiri Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pramod Kumar Mallick informed that the toddler has been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee for care and protection. He added that further investigation is underway to ascertain all aspects of the case.
The father has been identified as Rakesh Kumar Behera alias Kua, a mason by profession. According to police sources, he allegedly accepted ₹50,000 as the first instalment of the agreed amount. During preliminary questioning, Behera reportedly cited severe financial distress as the reason behind his decision.
Speaking to reporters, he claimed that he has four children and was struggling to support them. He further stated that a known individual had arranged the buyer and that he handed over the child accordingly.
Police sources also revealed that Behera had married twice and that the child in question was born to his second wife, who is currently living separately from him.
Authorities are continuing their probe to determine whether any larger trafficking network is involved and to take appropriate legal action against those responsible.
