Orissa woman ‘ sells’ child for 2K `

Sabita rebutted the charge and claimed she had donated her child to a moderately rich family as she won’t be able to feed him

An impoverished woman, who is a mother of five minors, reportedly “donated” her newborn to a couple for not being able to nourish the child.

After this incident came to light, the Sambalpur district administration on Wednesday summoned those involved in the ‘ deal’ and questioned them on the issue.

Reports in vernacular dailies said on Thursday that one Sabita Behera allegedly “sold” her 11day- old baby boy to a couple from Jajpur Road for a paltry sum of ` 2,000 and a sack of rice.

However, Sabita rebutted the charge and claimed she had donated her child to a moderately rich family as she won’t be able to feed him.

The Sambalpur district administration has asked Sabita to submit a surrender deed before the Child Welfare Committee ( CWC) mentioning that she doesn’t have any right over the child.

According to reports, Sabita handed over the newborn to a couple — Seikh Adijur Rehman and Sajda Rehman — from Jajpur Road on March 26 just three days after her delivery. District child protection officer ( DCPO) Suchismita Patnaik said the child can be adopted as per the adoption provisions after furnishing of the deed.

On the other hand, legal action against Adijur, Sajda and middleman has been initiated for keeping the baby without conforming to the legal formalities. Collector Balwant Singh has directed the district administration officials to study the financial condition of Sabita.