Jharkhand: Four babies sold by Missionaries of Charity shelter-home rescued
A Ranchi-based shelter home run by the Missionaries of Charity is in major trouble: police have found that Nirmal Hriday, the home, sold at least four babies to couples seeking children for as much as Rs. 50,000 each. The last of the four was recovered yesterday from a couple based in Palamu district. Two staff members have been arrested.
Case brings to light sexual harassment of minors at shelter
A UP-based couple, who had bought one of the four kids, had brought the case to light. An FIR was lodged against Nirmal Hriday earlier this month. Sister Konsalia and staff member Anima Indwar, who had sold the UP couple the baby, were arrested on July 4-5. The baby was of a minor inmate of the home itself, also throwing light on sexual abuse of the girls there.
"I have sold two more babies"
One baby had been given away "for free"
Police rescued one baby from Kokar. Another was found in Morabadi, and the third in Simdega. One of them had been given away for free, the Sister said. Police have refused to reveal more details. "We are getting many leads but we cannot divulge them as of now. We are working on verifying them," said SSP Anish Gupta.
Adoptive couples have been allowed to keep babies, but conditionally
For now, authorities have allowed the adoptive couples to keep the babies for two months, but conditionally: they have to produce them to the Child Welfare Committee every week. "The decision has been taken considering the welfare of the children," said CWC member Srikant Kumar.
Meanwhile, police action draws criticism from several quarters
This has led to criticism of police action against the Missionaries, including from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Jharkhand CM Babulal Marandi and the Roman Catholic Church. If one sister is found indulging in criminal activities, the entire organization shouldn't be painted as "inhuman," said Theodore Mascarenhas, General Secretary, Catholic Bishop Conference of India. He also alleged Sister Konsalia's confession had been taken "under pressure."
