A shocking case of a newborn baby being sold for Rs 3 lakh has been reported at a leading hospital in the Kerala capital, leading to an investigation by state Health Minister Veena George. The incident came to light after the Child Line group received a tip-off about a baby being sold and launched an investigation.

According to Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Shaniba, the woman who had taken possession of the newborn initially denied purchasing the baby, but later admitted to buying the child. The Special Branch police is now investigating the case, and those involved in the sale of the baby will be proceeded against under the Juvenile Justice Act.

This incident has once again brought to light the issue of child trafficking and the need for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent such heinous crimes. It is alarming that newborn babies are being bought and sold like commodities, and there is a pressing need for the authorities to take strong action against those involved in such illegal activities.

The Kerala government has already taken steps to address the issue of child trafficking, including setting up a task force to monitor cases of missing children and launching a helpline for reporting such cases. However, incidents like this one highlight the need for more stringent measures to protect vulnerable children and punish those who exploit them.