Mansa, Oct 25: District authorities in Punjab’s Mansa have launched an inquiry into an alleged illegal adoption after a drug-addict couple reportedly sold their five-month-old son to a Budhlada family.
DCPO Harjinder Kaur said the handover took place about a month ago. “Given the parents’ addiction, the child cannot be returned to them at this stage. The final decision will rest with higher authorities,” she said, adding that the district currently lacks a suitable childcare facility.
Budhlada DSP Sikander Singh Cheema said both families have been summoned. “The child was unwell, and the family that took him arranged his treatment. The biological parents have only one son, while the other family has three daughters,” he said.
Punjab Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said she would dispatch a team to investigate. “If the parents sold the child, they will be declared unfit guardians. Custody will not be returned to them, and strict action will follow,” she said.
