๐ Sold for Survival: A Kushinagar Child Trafficking Tragedy and the Fight for Justice
Posted on: April 8, 2025
By: PVCHR Editorial Team
Tags: Child Rights, Human Trafficking, Poverty, NHRC, Police Abuse, Healthcare Injustice, Uttar Pradesh
๐งธ 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.
๐ค 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.
๐ก️ 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.
๐ฉ Contact: pvchr.adv@gmail.com
๐ Website: www.pvchr.asia
๐ Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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