Assam: Six arrested after two-year-old allegedly sold for Rs 55,000 in Silchar

Six people have been arrested after police rescued a two-and-a-half-year-old child who was allegedly being sold for Rs 55,000 in Assam's Silchar, officials said.

 

The rescue operation was carried out on Friday night in the Berenga area following a tip-off. Police raided a rented house where the child was allegedly being handed over and recovered the toddler. They also seized Rs 57,900 in cash from the premises.

 

According to the investigation, Sultana Begum Laskar, a resident of Jhanjharbali in Sonai, Cachar district, had reportedly been looking to take in a child as she was unable to have one. Through local contacts, she came into contact with Swapna Begum Laskar and her husband, Bahar Uddin, who allegedly assured her that they could arrange a child.

 

Police said the couple subsequently contacted Rajmul Ali and his wife, Rosna Begum, from 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 Rs 55,000.

 

Acting on specific information, Silchar Police intercepted the alleged transaction before it could be completed and rescued the child.

 

Those arrested have been identified as Rajmul Ali and Rosna Begum, the child's parents; Sultana Begum Laskar, the alleged buyer; Nabidul Islam Laskar; Nurul Islam Laskar; and Swapna Begum Laskar, who is alleged to have acted as an intermediary.

 

The child has been placed in a shelter home for protection. Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether others were involved in the alleged child trafficking and sale network.