Abject poverty compelled two families from Tripura to resort to selling their children. CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, in conveying this distressing news on Friday, accused the ruling Manik Saha government of neglecting the welfare of the state’s people.

Chaudhury further asserted that severe poverty and food scarcity in villages were driving individuals to sell their children for financial assistance.

These incidents reportedly occurred in Khowai and Dhalai districts over the past month. Although one infant has been rescued, the location of the other remains undisclosed.

While visiting the Mungiakami block in Teliamura of Khowai district, Chaudhury met Khaken Debbarma and his wife at Teliamura hospital, who reportedly traded their newborn daughter for Rs 30,000.

Chaudhury disclosed that Debbarma, facing severe impoverishment since the loss of his ancestral house in a fire two years ago, was compelled to sell his child to address the family’s financial needs. He added that Debbarma lost essential government documents, including his ration card and MGN REGA job card, in the tragic fire.

Chaudhury said, “Khaken Debbarma said that they were going through days without food for which his wife couldn’t provide milk to the newborn. Therefore, they decided that their daughter might have a chance at survival in the care of another mother. He also said that out of the Rs 30,000, he had to give Rs 20,000 to BJP troublemakers.”

Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran indicated that the preferences of the parents of the recently sold infant will determine the child’s future, whether to legally adopt the child or surrender it to the state adoption center.

She said that the child was recovered by the police and Childline authorities in a remote area and brought to Teliamura.