Ambur: A nine-day-old baby girl was allegedly sold for ₹1 lakh by her parents in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, reportedly due to financial hardship. The newborn was allegedly handed over to a childless couple in Bengaluru, who are distant relatives of her parents.
Ambur Town Police arrested the baby’s mother Avama R, 36, and Bengaluru couple Samrin Taj, 30, and her husband Syed Akbar Basha, 40, on Sunday morning. While Avama and Samrin were later released on station bail, Basha was produced before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Ambur and remanded in judicial custody. He was lodged in Ambur sub-jail.
Father remains absconding
Police said Avama and her husband A Rahmathullah, 38, have been married for 18 years and live with their children at Manga Thoppu in Ambur. Rahmathullah works at a tea shop, while Avama is a homemaker.
The couple had four children, including two 12-year-olds and two nine-year-olds. One of the nine-year-old children, Nasrin, recently died of jaundice.
Avama delivered the baby at Government Medical College Hospital, Adukkamparai, on August 14. Police said the couple, concerned about the expenses involved in raising and educating their children, allegedly decided to sell the newborn after discussing the matter with relatives.
Baby taken to Bengaluru
According to police, Avama’s sister Mubina A allegedly helped facilitate the transaction and accompanied her to Bengaluru on August 23. The baby was subsequently handed over to Samrin and Basha, who had reportedly been married for around 10 years without children.
Police rescued the baby from Bengaluru after the Tirupattur District Child Protection Unit received information and lodged a complaint on August 29.
A case has been registered under Section 143(1)(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Act. The baby has been rescued, while police are continuing action in connection with the alleged sale.
The child’s father, Rahmathullah, is currently absconding.