A shocking case has emerged from the government-run 60-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Hospete, where a newborn girl was allegedly sold for ₹10,000 on August 31. Police have booked four people, including two ASHA workers, in connection with the case.
According to police, a woman from Kamalapur village in Hosapete taluk delivered the baby on August 26. Just five days later, the infant was reportedly handed over to Karibasappa, a resident of Hagaribommanahalli.
The matter came to light after a tip-off to the Child Helpline, following which District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) coordinator Chidanand lodged a complaint. Sources within the hospital had hinted at the incident, leading to further investigation.
The ASHA workers, identified as Kavita M and Nagarathna, allegedly convinced the mother and facilitated the sale. The other two accused have been named as Kavithaa and Manimala. A case has been registered at the Town police station.
The baby has since been rescued and placed under the care of a government-run special adoption centre.