Agartala, June 30: A three-year-old girl was rescued by police after she was allegedly handed over by her parents to a man from neighbouring Assam in an incident that has sparked outrage in West Tripura district. The child has since been placed under government protection, while authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
The incident was reported from Kanchanmala Muslim Para under Amtali Police Station. According to police sources, the girl’s parents, Shahjahan Mia alias Saju Mia, a daily wage labourer, and his wife, were allegedly facing severe financial hardship. Investigators are examining allegations that the couple handed over their youngest daughter to a childless man from Bazaricherra in Karimganj district of Assam. Police are also probing claims that the transfer involved a monetary transaction.
Officials said the man, who was reportedly known to the family, took custody of the child on Monday. The matter came to light after local residents alerted the district administration, Childline and the police. Acting on the information, Amtali Police launched a rescue operation late Monday night and successfully traced the child in Assam. She was brought back to Tripura on Tuesday morning.
Following the rescue, officials from the District Child Protection Unit reached Amtali Police Station and, after completing the required legal formalities, took custody of the child.
The District Child Protection Officer said the matter was being investigated to determine whether money had exchanged hands. The officer stressed that handing over a child outside the legal adoption process is unlawful and said the girl would be placed in a Specialised Adoption Agency to ensure her safety, care and rehabilitation.
When questioned by reporters, the child’s mother denied selling her daughter but admitted that she had entrusted the child to the man because of the family’s financial difficulties. She claimed the man was a long-time acquaintance of her husband and had no children of his own.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from local residents, who demanded strict legal action if any violation of child protection laws is established.
Police have initiated a detailed investigation, and authorities said legal proceedings will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry. The rescued child remains under government care pending further orders.
