💔 Sold for Survival: A Kushinagar Child Trafficking Tragedy and the Fight for Justice
🧸 A Child Sold for ₹20,000 — A Nation's Conscience on Trial
In September 2024, a heartbreaking case from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, shocked the conscience of the nation. Trapped in crushing poverty and desperate to pay for their newborn’s hospital discharge, a couple sold their 2.5-year-old son for ₹20,000.
The hospital, running illegally without a license, demanded money the couple simply didn’t have. What followed was worse: instead of immediate protection and support, the father was allegedly extorted for ₹5,000 by police during interrogation.
The matter was brought before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a long-standing human rights advocate and founder of PVCHR. His complaint not only highlighted the criminal negligence of police and the clinic, but also emphasized the ongoing systemic failure — the family lacked ration cards, health coverage, and access to government welfare schemes.
⚖️ NHRC Response and Legal Action
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance on 18 December 2024 and called for an action-taken report from the District Magistrate and SP Kushinagar. In response:
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An FIR was filed: Barwa Patti PS Case No. 87/24
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Charges were filed against five individuals under serious BNS and Juvenile Justice Act sections.
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A second FIR (No. 88/2024) was lodged against the illegal clinic.
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Chargesheet filed against the clinic operator under the Indian Medical Council Act.
On 7 April 2025, the NHRC reviewed the police report and noted that the case is now sub judice (under trial). As per regulations, it concluded the matter, officially closing the file.
🤝 Our Role Isn’t Over
Even though the legal machinery has moved, the larger issue remains unaddressed:
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Why did a family have to sell a child to pay a hospital fee?
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Why did no safety net protect them from hunger and helplessness?
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What happens to the children now — one trafficked, one just born?
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Where is the long-term rehabilitation?
This is not just a criminal case, it is a humanitarian crisis. When poverty pushes families to sell their children, it is a collapse of the welfare state.
🛡️ PVCHR Demands
We, at PVCHR, demand:
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Immediate welfare support to the affected family — ration card, health benefits, housing assistance.
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Monitoring of the trial to ensure justice is not delayed or denied.
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Accountability from police officers who allegedly extorted money.
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A state-wide audit of illegal medical clinics.
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Child protection services to ensure the safety, education, and rehabilitation of both children.
✊ Stand with the Voiceless
This is not just about one family. It is about millions who live on the edge, invisible to the system — until tragedy strikes.
Help us amplify their voices.
📩 Contact: pvchr.adv@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.pvchr.asia
📍 Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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