6-month-old boy sold by father for Rs 1 lakh to repay debt rescued, 3 held

Police said Saukath Ali, 32 from Dadagapatti had sold his child to a childless couple to repay his debt. The incident came to light, when relatives came to his house to see the newborn, a few days ago.

They were shocked to hear from Saukath that the child had died of some ailment. On suspicion, the relatives informed the Annadanapatti police, who then rushed to the spot and held inquiries.

Investigations revealed that Saukath, who was jobless, had borrowed Rs 1 lakh from one Settu in his neighbourhood. When Settu pestered him to return the money, Saukath could not arrange the money due to his poor financial situation. Then a person, who acted as a mediator, had persuaded Saukath Ali to sell his child to Sundaram from the same neighbourhood.

Police said that Sundaram, who is childless even several years after marriage, had bought the child for Rs 1 lakh a fortnight ago. With this amount, Saukath Ali had settled down his debt to Settu.

Following this, police rescued the child from Sundaram and handed it over to Saukath Ali’s wife. Police have secured Saukath Ali, Settu and Sundaram, while a search is on to nab another person, who mediated the sale and is now on the run.

The trio will be remanded in prison following COVID-19 test results.