Food Minister of Tripura Sushanta Chowdhury categorically refuted opposition leader Jitendra Chowdhury’s claims that a baby was sold due to poverty in the Gandachara subdivision. The opposition leader had earlier penned a letter to the state chief secretary, asserting that severe poverty in the region had driven families to such desperate measures.
The Food Minister dismissed these allegations as baseless and misleading. Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Monday, he said, “The opposition leader’s statements are entirely unfounded.” He asserted that the district administration had thoroughly investigated the matter and found no evidence to support the claims.
The controversy centers around Mormari Tripura (39), a resident of the Gandachara subdivision, who allegedly sold her newborn child due to financial hardship. “This incident was brought to the attention of Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who immediately directed the district administration to look into the matter,” the Food Minister revealed.
Upon investigation, the district administration discovered that Murmari Tripura’s situation was not as it had been portrayed. “Murmari Tripura’s husband passed away some time ago, leaving her with five children. Her sixth child was born on May 22, 2024,” Minister Chowdhury explained. “She expressed a desire to place her newborn up for adoption, but legal obstacles prevented this.”
The Minister reassured that Murmari Tripura and her family is receiving comprehensive support from the government. “Her family is benefitting from all available public distribution system schemes,” he stated. Furthermore, the Chairman of the State Child Rights Protection Commission, along with Anganwadi workers and other administrative officials, have been in close contact with her to provide necessary assistance.
Currently, Murmari Tripura and her newborn are receiving care at Kulai District Hospital. “We have ensured that both mother and child get admitted and are now receiving the medical treatment they need,” Minister Chowdhury added.
The Food Minister concluded by urging the public to disregard such unfounded allegations and assured that the government remains committed to supporting all vulnerable families in the state.
“We are dedicated to addressing and alleviating poverty in all its forms, and we will continue to provide necessary aid to those who are in need of,” he affirmed.