A couple had sold their newly born son to their neighbors for a sum of Rs 40,000 and were later arrested by the cops. What could have driven them to this extent that they sold a child to someone? Their elder paralytic son had to be treated in the hospital for which they could not afford and they could think of no other way. They are however now out on bail.

Sandhya Devi and Ashok Kumar from Sriganganagar, Rajasthan were delighted by the thought of their new ray of sunshine in the house after they learned that she was pregnant. But the ephemeral happiness had evaporated after they were informed by the doctors that the treatment of their elder son who was suffering from paralysis would cost them Rs 40,000. A neighbor had offered to help her with the money they could not afford but no help today in the modern times is free. She had asked the new child in exchange for the money and only of she had a boy.

After Sandhya delivered just after a few days, she had taken Rs 20,000 for the baby boy. The tragedy deepens after the police learned that a woman who played the middleman had misappropriated the remaining Rs 20 grand. Their poverty was such that they had to live in a single room.

Rajasthan Police's Anti-human trafficking branch had been tipped about the deal and had immediately plunged into action. A police officer said that the deal was illegal because there was money involved and that it was not undertaken by the District Child Protection committee.

Five people who were involved in the deal were arrested but were released on bail. The newborn was returned to the righful, biological parents.

(AW- Anil)