RAIPUR: A Nurse from Sukma District Hospital has been taken into police custody for allegedly engaging in the "trading of newborns" from tribal women immediately after their delivery. It is claimed that she would sell the babies to "needy couples" by striking a deal for Rs 3-4 lakh and paying the mothers Rs 20,000-30,000 for giving away their children.
It is suspected that the accused nurse, Padma Netam, has been involved in this criminal activity for a long time, and the police are actively working to trace individuals with whom she had previously conducted transactions. Authorities suggest that she might have sold newborns to people in neighboring states as well.
According to Jitendra Baghel of child rights commission, the nurse attended delivery of a woman in Kudkel village and had struck a deal with her for Rs 30,000 to give away her infant to a couple of Kirandul in Dantewada for Rs 3lakh.
The matter underwent investigation, and both the administration and the police were promptly informed. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, leading to the arrest of Padma Netam. . The modus operandi of nurse Netam was to discuss with pregnant women about the status of their children, background and then strike a deal. Poor women in need of money would agree to give away children for Rs 30,000, which often was paid in installments.
Baghel stated that they have taken custody of the traded newborn, and the child will be presented before the Child Welfare Committee. He also said that it appears to be case of an organized racket active in the region and is being probed.
Police said that the accused nurse was being interrogated and her links with others involved in the crime will be traced.
The nurse, who had been posted at the district hospital since 2012, has been suspended with immediate effect by District Collector Harish S.
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