Child Trafficking to be Probed in Karnataka

Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development P M Narendraswamy has assured an inquiry into reports that impoverished parents were selling their children for paltry sums. It was reported in the media that many poverty-stricken parents were selling their children for Rs 7,000 to Rs 10, 000, and around six such cases were brought to light from Tumkur District in the State.

Narendraswamy said a detailed inquiry would be ordered soon.

"I will see that my office looks into the matter. I will order for a detailed enquiry and after the detailed enquiry report, I can tell you the facts," added Narendraswamy.

Meanwhile, Nina P Nayak, Chairperson, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said poverty could be a compelling reason for child trafficking.

"Many of these families, due to poverty or too many children and if they do not have any social security, like a Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card or an Above Poverty Line (APL) Card, then they feel compelled to handover the child for a price," said Nayak.

Child trafficking is a crime under international law and under the national legislation of many countries.

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It is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation.

Source-ANI