In a shocking case highlighting the deepening drug crisis in Punjab, the Mansa district police have arrested a drug-addicted couple and a scrap dealer for allegedly selling a six-month-old infant for ₹1.8 lakh.
The accused couple — Sandeep Singh and his wife, Gurman Kaur, residents of Akbarpur Khudal village — reportedly sold their son to a scrap dealer, Sanju Singh, and his wife, Aarti, from Budhlada town. Police said the deal was made last month, and the couple used the money to purchase drugs and household items.
Bareta Station House Officer (SHO) Baldev Singh confirmed that a case has been registered under Section 143(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for human trafficking. “Sanju’s wife Aarti has also been named in the case and will be arrested soon. The investigation is ongoing to determine if others were involved,” he said.
The case came to light after Gurman’s elder sister, Ritu Verma, from Ludhiana, lodged a complaint with authorities. Acting on the report, the child was rescued and placed in Sri Anant Anath Ashram, a state-approved orphanage in Bathinda.
Police said the scrap dealer, who has four daughters and wanted a male child, had signed an “adoption deed” with the couple. During questioning, Sandeep and Gurman admitted that their drug addiction drove them to sell their only child.
The Punjab Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. Commission chairman Kanwardeep Singh has issued a notice to the Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), directing strict action against all accused and a detailed report by October 31.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa slammed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for failing to control Punjab’s drug problem. “A state-level wrestler selling her own baby to buy drugs reflects the horrifying depth of the crisis,” Bajwa said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sikander Singh Cheema confirmed that the infant has been safely handed over to the Child Welfare Committee. Police continue to probe the extent of the trafficking network and possible involvement of other individuals.
