An 11-year-old girl from Tumkur, Karnataka, was rescued by Tumakuru city police from Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, after reportedly being sold by her aunt to settle a ₹35,000 loan. Authorities confirmed the successful operation that brought the girl back to her hometown.
The incident began when the minor girl was sent to her aunt’s residence in Hindupur for vacation in April, while she was studying in the fourth standard. Instead of caring for her, the aunt allegedly sold her to a landlord named Sriramulu to settle a debt.
Under Sriramulu’s control, the girl was forced to work, including grazing ducks. Her mother, Chaudamma, discovered her daughter’s situation during a visit to Hindupur in late June. Despite pleading for her daughter’s release, Sriramulu insisted on repayment of the loan, claiming ownership of the girl.
Prompted by Chaudamma’s complaint on July 3, Tumkur district labor officer K. Tejawati intervened. The Superintendent of Police (SP) instructed swift action, leading to the rescue operation by town police.
“We have booked Sujatha (30), her husband Shankar (35), and landlord Sriramulu (40) under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping) and 342 (wrongful confinement) and rescued the child from Sriramulu’s house,” Tejawati confirmed.
The rescued girl’s well-being is now the focus of ongoing investigations, ensuring she receives appropriate care and addressing the legal aspects of the case.