A minor girl from Kanchanmala Muslim Para under Amtali Police Station in West Tripura has been rescued after serious allegations surfaced that her parents handed her over to an Assam resident in exchange for money. Even as girl’s mother tried to deny the allegation, Police, district administration and child protection authorities intervened after the matter came to light and rescued the girl. The child is now under the government protection as legal proceedings begin.
Agartala: A major child protection concern has emerged in the Kanchanmala area after a minor girl was rescued following allegations that she was illegally handed over to a person in Assam without following mandatory legal procedures.
The incident came to light from Kanchanmala Muslim Para area under Amtali Police Station, where local residents alerted authorities after learning that the child had allegedly been handed over to an outsider.
Officials told our correspondent that information about the alleged child sale case was received on Monday (June 29). After the matter was reported, police immediately started taking steps to trace and rescue the child.
The girl was reportedly found in the possession of a resident of Bazarichhara area under Karimganj district of Assam and was rescued today morning.
Family’s financial crisis allegedly linked to incident
The child’s father, identified as Sajahan Mia alias Saju Mia, is a daily wage labourer and a resident of Kanchanmala Muslim Para.
According to local sources, he has three daughters and his family had been facing severe financial difficulties for a prolonged period.
It has been alleged that amid financial hardship, Sajahan Mia and his wife decided to hand over their youngest daughter to another person.
While allegations of selling the child have surfaced, the child’s mother, while speaking to the media denied that the child was sold. However, she admitted that due to the family’s financial condition, the child was ‘handed over’ to a person in Assam.
Authorities have stated that the exact circumstances, including whether any financial transaction took place, will be established only after a detailed investigation.
Child brought under government protection
Following the rescue, a team from the West Tripura District Child Protection Unit reached Amtali Police Station.
After completing necessary legal formalities, the child was taken into government care to ensure her safety and protection.
A Child Welfare Committee (CWC) process will now determine the next course of action regarding the child’s rehabilitation and future care.
Officials said that the child’s welfare remains the top priority and steps will be taken to provide her with a safe environment.
CWC to examine legal adoption process
Speaking about the case, a Child Welfare Committee official said that the child cannot be treated merely as a personal family matter, as handing over a child to another person without proper legal procedures raises serious concerns.
The official said that a detailed investigation is necessary to determine the exact circumstances behind the incident.
The CWC will conduct counselling and begin the required proceedings. If the legal conditions are fulfilled, steps may be taken for declaring the child legally free for adoption through the proper procedure.
Officials said the child would be placed under a specialised adoption agency if required and efforts would be made to ensure she receives proper care and a secure future.
Police investigation underway in Amtali child case
Amtali Police have started an investigation into the allegations. Authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including how the child was transferred and whether any legal violations occurred.
The District Child Protection Officer confirmed that the child has been taken into official custody and further action will be based on the decision of the Child Welfare Committee.
Incident sparks concern among Kanchanmala residents
The incident has triggered concern and discussions among residents of Kanchanmala.
Locals questioned how a child could be handed over to another person without legal approval or involvement of child protection authorities.
Local people speak
Speaking to Enewstime correspondent, residents demanded a transparent investigation and urged authorities to take appropriate legal action if anyone is found guilty.
They also raised concerns over child safety, stressing that every child deserves protection, care and a secure future.
Prompt actions from the stakeholders and awareness among the commoners have saved the life of an innocent baby.
Police sources told our correspondent they are focusing on investigation to know what prompted the alleged exchange or as dubbed by her mother ‘handed over’ of the baby.
