Odisha Police have rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old boy who was allegedly sold by his father for ₹1 lakh in Nilgiri area of Balasore district. Both the alleged seller and buyer have been detained for questioning, officials said.
The incident reportedly occurred in Barisahi village under the Nilgiri Notified Area Council limits. The matter came to light after a video, purportedly showing the father negotiating with a prospective buyer, went viral on social media. A local activist subsequently lodged a complaint at Nilgiri police station.
Child rescued, probe underway
Nilgiri Sub-divisional Police Officer Pramod Kumar Mallick said the child was rescued from the Chiminibhati area and handed over to the Child Welfare Committee for care and protection.
Police identified the father as Rakesh Kumar Behera alias Kua, a mason by profession. According to preliminary investigation, he allegedly received ₹50,000 as the first instalment of the agreed amount.
Behera reportedly told police that financial hardship led him to take the extreme step. He is said to have four children. Sources indicated that the toddler allegedly sold was born to his second wife, who has been living separately from him.
Video authenticity under verification
Officials said the authenticity of the viral video is being examined as part of the investigation. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken under relevant provisions of law if the allegations are substantiated.
The child has been placed under the supervision of the Child Welfare Committee, and further inquiries are ongoing to determine whether any trafficking network was involved.
Police have appealed to citizens to report such incidents promptly and avoid circulating unverified content online.