NAGPUR: A man in his early 20s sold his two-month-old daughter to a couple from Umrer through a broker for Rs1.10 lakh, and purchased a new bike, bed, cooler, and speakers. His wife, who was opposed to the sale two months ago, recently mustered courage to complain to the police, and asked them to get the baby back.
However, tragedy continues to plague the baby, as even two months after being rescued by cops, she cannot be reunited with the mother. In the absence of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), whose tenure has ended but fresh members are yet to be appointed, the baby had to be sent to Government Medical College and Hospital, where police have requested authorities to allow the mother to breastfeed her. No one has an idea when the baby can be handed over to the mother.
The baby’s father, Utkarsh Dahiwale, had threatened his wife while selling off the baby to Pendam family of Umrer two months ago. The deal was brokered by a neighbour and one Usha Sahare, who works at an orphanage at Ramtek to collect donations different villages.
Utkarsh, a plumber, has another elder daughter, aged around three. His wife Bhumeshwari was against the thought of selling the second daughter, but Utkarsh kept threatening her. Though the baby was sold around two months ago, Bhumeshwari landed up at Pachpaoli police station only on April 15 to narrate her ordeal. Bhumeshwari said she had been threatened by Utkarsh, so she could not approach the police. As soon as Utkarsh left for their native village, she sought help from police to get her daughter back.
Pachpaoli police had immediately rounded up Utkarsh from his village, and also the neighbour who introduced Utkarsh to Sahare, who was also arrested. Following their interrogation, the police team reached the Pendam couple and rescued the baby from them.
Police said the Pendam couple was misled by Sahare that they can take the baby after a written declaration about the deal on a stamp paper. The Pendam couple had gone ahead with the deal presuming the use of stamp paper finalized the deal, and will not invite any legal issue.
Police said Sahare was in Umrer for her work when she met the Pendam couple. They had requested her to find a baby for adoption. Sahare was friendly with Utkarsh’s neighbour, who introduced them.
Senior inspector Sanjay Mendhe of Pachpaoli police station said DNA test of the baby would be conducted, and then he would try to get the baby reunited with the mother legally. “Police have seized the bike and other materials procured by Utkarsh using the cash he got after selling the daughter,” said Mendhe, adding he would try to help the mother get the baby back as soon as possible.
“We have made a makeshift arrangement where she can be with the baby at GMCH. But we need to confirm their relationship through DNA matching, before allowing her to take the baby back,” said the inspector.
