Hazaribagh: The alleged kidnapping of a newborn in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district has been proven false, with police confirming that the baby was sold by her parents due to severe economic hardship.
Authorities have recovered the infant and returned her to her mother.
Police said Baby Devi, from Bahimar village in the Katkamandi police station area, gave birth to her sixth child on January 24. Facing dire financial conditions and already burdened with raising five children, the family decided they were unable to care for the newborn.
The couple reportedly sold the baby to a relative, Meena Devi, also known as Malti Devi, after being introduced through Devanti Devi.
To conceal the act, a false kidnapping story was staged on January 26 near Laxmi Petrol Pump in the Sadar police station area. The claim suggested that an unknown woman had abducted a three-day-old infant from a woman seeking medical treatment in Hazaribagh.
The incident sparked public outrage, leading to traffic disruptions, road blockades, and protests against the police.
Responding swiftly, the police scrutinised CCTV footage, mobile location data, and family records. During questioning, Baby Devi admitted to the conspiracy.
Following this, police arrested Meena Devi alias Malti Devi from the Chauparan area and recovered the baby, who was later handed over to her mother.
Officials said investigations are continuing to examine the spread of misinformation, conspiracy, disruption of public order, and related offences.
With inputs from IANS