In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a father in Kushinagar was allegedly compelled to “sell” his three-year-old son to settle unpaid hospital fees, sparking outrage and a swift response from authorities. The incident unfolded as Harish Patel, a daily wage earner, struggled to pay the medical bills for his wife’s delivery at a private hospital.
Harish Patel’s wife was admitted to the hospital for the birth of their sixth child. Despite his best efforts, Patel, unable to immediately cover the fees, found himself in a dire situation. The hospital refused to release his wife and newborn until the dues were settled. In his desperation, Patel made a tragic decision, allegedly arranging to “sell” his young son to a couple under the guise of a fraudulent adoption deed.
The distressing act came to light when local authorities were alerted, leading to a prompt investigation. The Kushinagar police arrested five individuals involved in the case, including the couple who took in the child, the intermediary Amresh Yadav, a fake doctor, and a hospital helper. The police acted swiftly, rescuing the child and returning him safely to his parents.
Kushinagar SP Santosh Kumar Mishra confirmed the arrests and detailed the police action taken. A police constable who had allegedly failed to act promptly was removed from duty and reassigned.
This incident follows a similar case earlier this year in Aligarh, where a newborn girl was reportedly sold by her father due to financial strain. The recurring theme of such desperate measures underscores a growing concern about the vulnerability of the poor in crisis situations and the dire need for systemic support.
The distressing story of Harish Patel and his family highlights the harsh realities faced by many in impoverished conditions, where the struggle to meet basic needs can lead to heartbreaking decisions. The community and authorities are now grappling with the implications of this tragic event and the need for greater support systems to prevent such desperate acts in the future.
