Latest news with #DCPU
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- New Indian Express
Eight-year-old boy sold by mother for Rs 18,000 rescued from Odisha's Bhuban
JAJPUR: The district child protection unit (DCPU) on Thursday rescued an eight-year-old boy who was allegedly sold by his mother to a childless couple of Bhuban area in neighbouring Dhenkanal for Rs 18,000. A team of the DCPU rescued the boy from the house of one Santosh Nayak in Bhuban and produced him before the child welfare committee (CWC). District child protection officer Truptimayee Panda said, 'Acting on the complaint lodged by the boy's father, we rescued the minor from Bhuban with the help of Child Helpline and police.' CWC chairperson Raxona Jena said the boy's mother Puja Parida had sold her son to Santosh. It was facilitated by a ration shop owner who happens to be a relative of Santosh. 'Police produced the boy's mother before the CWC and she admitted to have sold her son to Santosh through a ration shop owner. The CWC has taken custody of the child and sent him to Utkal Balashram,' Jena added. On May 22, the boy's father Prasant Parida, a native of Bada Suara, had accused his wife Puja of selling their son for Rs 18,000. He had approached the district authorities seeking help to get his son back.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Odiya girl from NICO assists district child protection unit
Mangaluru: At a time when the district child protection unit (DCPU) was desperately looking for an Odiya-speaking person to assist in translation relating to a Pocso case recently, a first-year student of Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO) came forward to help the department. The DCPU, under the department of women and child development, was looking for a translator who could not only engage the 3-yr-old victim girl in a directed conversation to elucidate her testimony regarding a sexual assault case, but also testify before the court, the version of the child during the prosecution. On the request of Panambur police station for assistance in this regard, the department was scouting for a translator when Isita Maharana, a first-year BA (Honours) student, readily agreed to volunteer for the task, stated a release from the NICO. The department duly issued an appointment order to Isita, and she was appointed as translator for the particular case to translate the victim's statement from Odiya, the order read. Isita informed that the exposure was something unique and satisfying as she was able to assist the district administration for a serious social cause.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Madurai GRH doctors raise alarm over unauthorised personnel collecting abandoned babies
MADURAI: Doctors at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), Madurai, have raised serious concerns over the increasing instances of unauthorised personnel being sent by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to collect abandoned babies after treatment. According to hospital sources, babies rescued by the DCPU are brought to GRH for examination and treatment before being transferred to care homes. However, in recent months, DCPU officials have reportedly been sending contract workers-often new faces-without proper identification or authorisation, leaving doctors in a difficult position. Speaking to TNIE, Dr S Saravanan, Regional Medical Officer (RMO) at GRH, said, 'Abandoned babies are treated with utmost care in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Department. Once they are medically fit, we inform the DCPU. But instead of sending designated legal or protection officers, they have been sending contract staff, some without proper documentation. This is a serious concern-it's not just about having a letter, it's a matter of a child's life.' He further added that, 'Recently, DCPU counsellor arrived with an unverified letter to collect a baby abandoned in Dindigul. 'The letter had no name, no ID number, no seal or valid signature. We had to contact DCPU officials to confirm the identity, which caused unnecessary delays and discomfort,' he said. A pediatrician at the hospital added, 'Every time a new person comes with just a letter, we have no way of verifying their identity. This has been happening repeatedly, and we were left with no option but to escalate the matter to the RMO and other senior hospital officials.' Responding to the issue, DCPU officer Dharmaseelan said only legal and protection officers are authorised to collect the babies post-treatment. 'In rare situations, we have sent staff from our team or the Childline Division, along with an authorised letter and ID proof. Going forward, we will ensure that only designated officers visit the hospital to take custody of the children,' he assured TNIE. Doctors have urged the DCPU to strictly follow the protocol and prioritise the safety and identity verification process involved in handling abandoned infants.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Hans India
Woman sells minor son for Rs 18K
Jajpur: In a shocking incident, a woman allegedly sold her seven-year-old son for Rs 18,000 at Bada Suara village in Jajpur district. The incident came to light after the grief-stricken father of the boy sought the help of the district authorities to get back his child. Reports said Prasant Parida of Bada Suara married Puja in 2017. The couple had a son named Sairam. Prasant, who used to wash dishes at a hotel to eke out a living, was raising his son in the best possible manner with his meagre income. The couple was going through a rough patch due to domestic issues. When their tiffs became irreconcilable, Puja left for her parents' home with her son four years ago. Prasant, however, remained in constant touch with his son and provided his needs. Four years later, Puja returned to Prasant's house but without their son. When Prasant questioned her about his son, Puja revealed that she had sold Sairam for a sum of Rs 18,000. She further said she took this step due to financial hardships. 'My wife returned home without my son. When I questioned her about the child, she told me that she had sold him to some men for Rs 18,000 so that she could arrange medicines for her health. Despite repeated pleadings to tell me about my child, she refused and did not share any information,' said Prasant. Prasant then approached District Collector P Anvesha Reddy. The Collector has asked the Additional District Magistrate to look into the incident. Meanwhile, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) has also been informed to submit a report on the child's whereabouts and probe the veracity of the allegations. The DCPU has taken cognisance of the case and started an inquiry on Friday. 'If the allegations are true, then due proceedings will be taken as per law,' said a DCPU official.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Hotel worker accuses wife of selling son for Rs 18,000 in Odisha
JAJPUR: In a bizarre incident, a hotel worker of Jajpur has accused her 33-year-old wife of selling their seven-year-old son for Rs 18,000. The incident came to the fore on Thursday after Prasant Parida, father of the minor boy, met the district authorities seeking help to get back his child. A probe was launched by the district child protection unit (DCPU) on Friday. Prasant had married Puja in 2017 and the couple later had their first child, a son by the name Sairam. The couple belongs to Bada Suara village under Jajpur Town police limits. Reports said Prasant cleans dishes at a hotel to eke out a living and raised his son with his meagre earnings. The couple was going through a rough patch in their marriage life due to domestic issues. When their fights became intense, Puja left for her parents' place four years back along with their son, who was three years of age then. Though Puja and Prasant had been living separately owing to the marital discord, the latter was in constant touch with his son and used to provide for his needs.
