A nurse employed at the government-operated Sukma district hospital has been apprehended on charges of selling tribal infants shortly after delivery to childless couples, allegedly receiving Rs 3-4 lakh for each transaction and compensating the birth mothers with amounts ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. The accused, identified as Padma Netam, served at the hospital for 11 years before her suspension by collector Harish S. Authorities suspect her involvement in this illicit operation spanned several years and are actively seeking to locate those who purchased infants from her. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) received a complaint against Padma, leading to her surveillance and subsequent arrest a few days ago. Her activities were closely monitored during this period.

Jitendra Baghel from the Child Rights Commission revealed that the illicit operation came to light when Padma facilitated the delivery of a woman in Kudkel village (430km from Raipur) and brokered a deal with her. In exchange for giving her infant to a couple from Kirandul in Dantewada, the woman was promised Rs 30,000. The couple paid Rs 3 lakh to Padma, according to police reports.

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Upon receiving a tip, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) conducted a preliminary inquiry and discovered sufficient grounds for concern. Subsequently, the police initiated a thorough investigation.

Authorities stated that Padma engaged pregnant women in conversations to ascertain details such as the number of children they had, their financial status, and whether they were in need of money. Given her role as a government nurse, people were more open and trusting with her. Allegedly, Padma targeted extremely impoverished women who were so desperate that they were willing to part with their infants for financial gain. While collecting substantial amounts from childless couples, Padma reportedly paid the birth mothers in installments.

Investigators have raised concerns that Padma may have sold newborns to individuals in neighboring states and are exploring potential links she may have had with larger child trafficking networks. The rescued infant from the Kudkel case will be presented before the child welfare committee. Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan stated, “It appears an organized racket is active in the region, and this is a major aspect of our probe.”

The police have indicated that this information will be disclosed on Saturday. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the extent of the organized child trafficking network in the region and to identify any additional individuals or networks involved in these illegal activities.

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