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.

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

Source: ANI