Odisha father sells 2-year-old son for Rs 1 lakh, child rescued, two detained

In a shocking incident in Barisahi village under the Nilgiri Notified Area Council, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy was rescued by Odisha Police after his father allegedly sold him for ₹1 lakh . Two persons, including the father and the alleged buyer, have been detained.

The case came to light after a video purportedly showing the father negotiating with a buyer went viral, prompting a local activist to file a complaint at the Nilgiri police station.

Police traced the child to the Chiminibhati area and rescued him. He has been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee . Officials said the toddler is physically stable and undergoing medical examination and psychological assessment. Counselling support has also been arranged. Authorities have withheld details of his location to protect his identity.

The father, Rakesh Kumar Behera alias Kua , a mason, allegedly received ₹50,000 as the first instalment . He told reporters that financial hardship and the burden of raising four children drove him to take the step. Neighbours described the family as poor and struggling for daily wages, but expressed shock over the incident.

Police said the boy’s mother, who was living separately, has denied involvement and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed against her so far.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and child protection laws, including provisions related to trafficking and sale of a minor . Investigators are probing a possible trafficking angle and examining whether others were involved in arranging the deal.

The Child Welfare Committee is preparing a rehabilitation plan for the child, including continued counselling and long term care support, as the investigation continues.