Odisha is grappling with a disturbing trend: two separate cases of infant abandonment have come to light, both rooted in the desperation of poverty-stricken families. These heartbreaking incidents, one in Rayagada and the other in Balangir, have cast a harsh spotlight on the socioeconomic challenges faced by vulnerable families and the urgent need for stronger child protection mechanisms.
Rayagada: A "Gift" of Despair
In Rayagada district, a young couple, Kumud Ganta (22) and Rahul Dhanbadi (25), allegedly gave away their nine-day-old daughter to a family from Andhra Pradesh. Citing their inability to provide for their two children, the couple claimed they made the difficult decision out of desperation, not for financial gain.
However, the "adoption" was conducted through a flawed notarized deed, raising concerns about its legality. Social worker Satyapriya Pradhan, along with the Rayagada District Child Protection Unit, is investigating the matter. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has summoned both the biological parents and the Andhra Pradesh couple to appear before them.
Balangir: A Deputy CM Intervenes
In Balangir district, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo personally intervened after learning about the alleged sale of a newborn by an impoverished family in Sangurjibhata village. Aruna Bati Nag, the mother of six, claimed she "gifted" her newborn due to her inability to raise another child.
Singh Deo ordered a probe into the incident, which revealed conflicting accounts from the mother and the involved ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife), Mamata Bhoi. While the mother claimed the ANM facilitated the handover, Bhoi asserted that the mother made the decision independently. The baby is currently in a private hospital in Raipur, and the investigation continues.
The Players:
- Rayagada Case: Kumud Ganta, Rahul Dhanbadi, Satyapriya Pradhan, Rayagada District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
- Balangir Case: Aruna Bati Nag, Mamata Bhoi, KV Singh Deo, Childline members, ASHA worker, CDPO, Sunil Meher (Patnagarh Sub-Collector), Bibekanand Sadangi (Khaprakhol Block Development Officer), Sadananda Pujari (SDPO).
These cases expose a complex web of poverty, desperation, and potentially flawed adoption practices. They raise critical questions about the adequacy of social safety nets and the accessibility of support systems for struggling families. As authorities investigate these incidents, the focus must shift towards addressing the root causes of child abandonment and ensuring that vulnerable families have access to the resources and support they need to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment. The fate of these infants hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need for a more compassionate and equitable society.
