Drug-addicted couple sells 5-month-old son for Rs 1.8 lakh

October 25, 2025

Mansa, Oct 24: A drug-addicted couple from Akbarpur Khudal village in the Budhlada subdivision of Punjab’s Mansa district sold their five-month-old son to a family for ₹1.8 lakh. It is reported that they took this step to satisfy their drug addiction.

The case came to light when the child’s aunt contacted the police and demanded to reunite her nephew with his biological parents.

According to sources, the child’s 19-year-old mother was once a state-level wrestler, but her husband’s drug addiction plunged the family into financial hardship. Gradually, the woman also fell into the grip of addiction. The two met on Instagram and now live in poverty. It is reported that a makeshift kitchen has been set up in the veranda of their house.

Villagers reported that the couple used the money from selling their son to buy drugs, household items, and redeem their mortgaged motorcycle. The husband of the village Sarpanch said, “We repeatedly urged them to improve their lives, but they refused to listen.”

Child Protection Department Action
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Harjinder Kaur confirmed the case. She said, “We have received information from reliable sources that the couple handed over their child to a family in Budhlada about a month ago. Both families signed a document they were calling an ‘adoption deed.’ Our team is gathering more information in this regard.”

She explained that given the couple’s condition and drug addiction, the child cannot be handed over to them at this time. “We have serious concerns about the child’s safety. The higher authorities will decide whether the child will remain with the family or be taken into government custody,” the DCPO said.

Investigation underway
Budhlada DSP Sikander Singh Cheema stated that the case is under investigation. Both families have been called for questioning. He added that the child is currently unwell and receiving treatment.