Newborn baby boy allegedly sold for Rs 1.7 lakh

Hyderabad: A newborn baby boy was allegedly sold for Rs 1.70 lakh in Hyderabad. A Zero FIR was registered at Kulsumpura Police Station and later transferred to Nandigama Police Station in Rangareddy district.

According to the police, on June 9, acting on a formal written complaint from K. Ramu, Protection Officer of the Women and Child Welfare Department, Hyderabad, authorities received credible information regarding the illegal sale of a newborn male infant. Subsequently, the Child Welfare Department conducted an official inquiry.

Police said Madhusudhan and Meena, a couple who had remained childless for about 18 years, were looking to adopt a child. They approached Potharaju Suresh for assistance in procuring a child. Suresh contacted Padma Paltiya, and together they allegedly arranged the sale of a baby boy born on May 28 at a private hospital in Tukkuguda. Mohan and Sandhya, the baby’s parents, reportedly handed over the infant, who was born with a physical disability, to Padma.

The child was allegedly handed over by Suresh at JP Dargah in Kothur mandal of Rangareddy district. As per the agreement, Rs 1.70 lakh was paid by Madhusudhan and his wife Meena to Padma and Suresh.

Later, the baby was rescued and produced before the Child Welfare Committee. The infant has been admitted to Shishu Vihar, Ameerpet, for care and protection, police said.

The case was transferred to Nandigama Police Station along with the case records and official complaint. Police have registered a case and taken up further investigation.