In a recent development in the alleged sale of a 40-day-old baby girl in Bhadrak district, Odisha, a member of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) visited the district headquarters hospital on Wednesday to review the case and the infant’s condition. The visit comes amid an ongoing police investigation that surfaced earlier this week.

OSCPCR member Manasmita Khuntia met with hospital officials to assess the baby’s health, who is currently undergoing treatment. She assured that an immediate investigation would be conducted and strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Khuntia also confirmed that the mother, the infant, and other family members would be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further proceedings.

Speaking on the matter, Khuntia praised authorities, including the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), for handling the case sensitively and promptly, noting that an FIR has already been registered. Subrat Biswal, Chairperson of the District Child Welfare Committee, said both the child and her mother were counselled at the hospital. He added that the baby is stable and in good health, with no major injuries, and that the CWC will determine the next steps.

The case came to light after the infant’s grandmother alleged that the baby had been sold by her parents in Bayabanapur village under Bhandaripokhari police station limits. Following the complaint, the Bhandaripokhari police rescued the baby from Cuttack and admitted her to Bhadrak district headquarters hospital for treatment.