Six people have been arrested after police rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old child who was allegedly being sold for ₹55,000 in Assam’s Silchar, officials said.
The operation was conducted on Friday night in the Berenga area after police received specific information about the alleged transaction. Acting on the tip-off, a police team raided a rented house where the child was reportedly being handed over, rescued the toddler and seized ₹57,900 in cash from the premises.
According to the investigation, Sultana Begum Laskar, a resident of Jhanjharbali in Sonai in Cachar district, had been looking to adopt a child as she was unable to have one. Through local contacts, she allegedly came in touch with Swapna Begum Laskar and her husband, Bahar Uddin, who reportedly assured her that they could arrange a child.
Police said the couple then contacted Rajmul Ali and his wife, Rosna Begum, of Lailapur French Nagar Forest Village under Dholai Police Station. The couple, who have four sons, allegedly agreed to hand over their youngest child, aged two and a half years, in exchange for ₹55,000.
Based on the information received, Silchar Police intercepted the alleged deal before it could be completed and rescued the child.
Those arrested have been identified as the child’s parents, Rajmul Ali and Rosna Begum; the alleged buyer, Sultana Begum Laskar; Nabidul Islam Laskar; Nurul Islam Laskar; and Swapna Begum Laskar, who police alleged acted as an intermediary in the transaction.
The rescued child has been placed in a shelter home for protection. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain whether additional people were involved in the alleged child trafficking and sale network.
