Newborn Rescued in Chauddagram Following Inqilab Report; Several Family Members Detained
A newborn allegedly sold for Tk 50,000 after being born to an orphaned rape victim in Chauddagram, Cumilla, was rescued from Hingula village early Monday (October 26), following a Daily Inqilab report that sparked widespread concern over the incident.
A team comprising police from Chauddagram Police Station and the Detective Branch (DB) conducted the rescue operation. The baby is currently in police custody. At least five to six members of two families accused in connection with the incident were also detained from Kalkot village under Konkapait Union of the upazila.
Earlier, allegations emerged that a newborn was sold elsewhere for Tk 50,000 after a young woman in Chauddagram became pregnant following an alleged rape and gave birth. The victim’s family accused the alleged perpetrator’s family of exerting pressure, issuing threats and attempting to cover up the incident.
According to the family, local mediation was arranged in an attempt to settle the matter. The accused’s family reportedly decided to pay Tk 300,000 to the victim’s family. However, uncertainty over the newborn’s whereabouts raised serious concerns among the family members.
According to the latest information, the newborn was rescued from the Hingula area of the upazila.
No official statement from police regarding the rescue had been available at the time of reporting. Details of how the baby was recovered and the child’s current physical condition were also not immediately available.
Gulzar Alam, investigation officer at Chauddagram Police Station, told Daily Inqilab that the baby was rescued early Monday. He added that several people had been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.
