Tall claims by the government and its agencies in controlling the discrimination against girl child stands belied as incidents of sale of newborns continue to be prevalent.
The latest such incident came to light in Krishna district when a days-old baby has been sold by her parents. According to Women Development and Child Welfare department officials, a Lambada couple — Banavath Ravi and Jyothi — sold their daughter, Naga Venkata Lalitha Bhavani, for Rs.5,000. Lalitha Bhavani was the third female child born to the couple and she was sold to Koppula Krishna and Chittitalli who were issueless.
The shocking incident occurred in Kummarikuntla Thanda in A. Konduru mandal. On information, Tiruvuru Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) M. Ankamamba, along with the local Anganwadi worker and the police rescued the infant and sent the baby to Sishu Gruha, being run by the department at Buddavaram village.
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The case came up before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on Tuesday. According to CWC Chairman B. Nagesh Rao, Jyothi gave birth to a female child on June 5, and the baby was sold immediately to Ms. Chittitalli with the consent of the family members. Both the parents were labourers.
During the enquiry, the couple confessed that the family was unable to take care of the child owing to financial constraints. Hence, they sold their child.
“It was found that the baby was not given proper care and instructions were, therefore, issued to keep the baby in Sishu Gruha,” said CWC members J. Jayaraj and T.S. Rao.
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Speaking to The Hindu , Ms. Jyothi said they sold the infant as they already had two daughters. Ms. Chittitalli confessed before the CWC that they took the baby by paying Rs.5,000.
“ An inquiry has been ordered into the incident. The parents will be counselled in the presence of their elders. Even then if the biological parents express inability to take care, the baby would be permanently admitted in the home being run by the government,” said Mr. Nagesh Rao.