In a shocking incident from Fazilka, a drug-addicted uncle, along with an ASHA worker, sold his 2-month-old nephew. The mother, who had the child after 10 years of marriage, is heartbroken and has appealed to the government to help reunite her with her baby. Every other day, India wakes up to heart-wrenching news, only to see it echoed on a larger scale. For the record, the National Crime Records Bureau reported that every eight minutes, a child disappears in India, leaving parents in the misery of a hopeless wait (not sure for how long till they could see their child again). In most cases of child trafficking, either they are enslaved or sold, and, in the case of girls, we know where they are forced to go and what they are forced to do.
The woman from a village in Fazilka district claims that her brother, who is addicted to drugs, took the child along with the ASHA worker, promising vaccination. Later, she found out her child had been sold. She says, “After 10 years, I had a baby. Why would I ever sell him? I am very poor, but I can never think of doing such a thing.”
The mother has registered a case and demanded swift action. Authorities have started an investigation into the role of the ASHA worker and others involved.
Accusation against the mother
According to Child Welfare Committee officials, the mother is also being suspected of being involved in the sale. However, the mother claims she has no connection to the deal and was deceived.
What does the Law say?
As per Indian Law, selling or trafficking children is a serious offense. Learn more below:
Constitutional Protection
The principal Article 23(1) of the Constitution of India, by all means, strictly prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labor.
Key National Laws against trafficking
- Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)
The main Law to combat trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. It focuses on prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation.
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013
Sections 370 & 370A of the IPC cover all forms of exploitation – physical, sexual, slavery, servitude, and organ removal.
It includes the trafficking of children and punishes buyers, traffickers, and abettors.
The very renowned POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, 2012 protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
The case is being treated with high importance, and a rescue effort is underway to bring the child back.