HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Aug 2: A shocking case of a newborn being allegedly sold for money has surfaced in Assam’s Tinsukia district, prompting a swift response from the District Child Protection Department and law enforcement agencies.
The incident has led to the arrest of a health department employee, while the involvement of a police constable remains under serious investigation.
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The incident dates back to July 13, when a woman—identified only by her surname Moran from Bordumsa—gave birth at the Margherita First Referral Unit (FRU) civil hospital.
In a concerning development, she absconded with the newborn shortly after delivery without obtaining formal discharge from the hospital.
The situation escalated on July 23, when the infant was allegedly handed over to a police constable named Shiuji Tiwari, who is posted at the office of the Superintendent of Police in Tinsukia.
The handover was reportedly facilitated by Jinamoni Gohain, a health worker associated with the hospital, in exchange for a substantial cash payment.
The exact amount involved has not been disclosed.
The matter came to light on July 25, when the newborn—reported to be unwell—was brought to Tinsukia Civil Hospital for medical attention.
Medical personnel at the hospital, noting irregularities in the circumstances of the child’s presentation, alerted the authorities.
The District Child Protection Department immediately intervened, took custody of the infant, and filed a formal complaint at the Tinsukia Sadar Police Station.
Following the complaint, health worker Jinamoni Gohain was arrested on Friday from the premises of Tinsukia Civil Hospital.
Authorities are now investigating whether she acted alone or as part of a larger network involved in illegal adoption or child trafficking.
The role of Constable Shiuji Tiwari is also under close examination, particularly concerning his acceptance of the newborn outside any legal procedure.
Law enforcement agencies have yet to clarify whether he will face disciplinary or criminal charges, pending further inquiry.
Officials from the District Child Protection Department have raised strong concerns about the possibility of a broader trafficking nexus involving multiple personnel within the health system.
They have indicated that more arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.
The incident has sparked outrage in the region, with local residents and child rights groups demanding a thorough probe and stringent action against all individuals involved.
As of the filing of this report, the newborn remains under the care of the District Child Protection Department, and an in-depth investigation is ongoing.
