Father Booked Again for Allegedly Selling Another Daughter

Quick Summary

• Saikam Mastan was arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Vijayawada on charges of selling his three-year-old daughter, Sravani, for ₹5,000.
• Mr.Mastan had previously sold another daughter for ₹30,000 to a couple in Vetapalem village two years earlier, alleged his wife Venkateswaramma. No case was registered at the time.
• The accused worked as a daily wage labourer and is allegedly addicted to alcohol.
• Ms.Venkateswaramma has taken steps to admit five of their children into hostels due to neglect and harassment by Mr. Mastan.
• GRP Circle Inspector J.V. Ramana revealed that two other individuals-Srinivas (a buttermilk vendor) and Chinnari (a beggar)-were involved in purchasing Sravani with plans to maim her and either force her into begging or sell her for a higher amount.
• Under various sections of the IPC and Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (Sections 143, 139, and Section 81), cases have been registered against Mr. Mastan along with Srinivas and Chinnari.
• Police investigations continue while plans are underway for GRP-RPF joint raids on trains/stations to prevent similar crimes.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The arrests highlight issues related to child trafficking driven by poverty, substance abuse, and lack of social safeguards among vulnerable groups in India. While quick police action saved Sravani from exploitation this time, systemic failures like unregistered cases from prior incidents indicate gaps in enforcement mechanisms.

This incident also underscores challenges faced by women like Ms. Venkateswaramma who are left economically burdened amidst familial neglect; though she managed institutional aid for five children’s education-a commendable effort-the broader safety net appears insufficient.

The planned joint patrols by GRP-RPF could help mitigate such crimes at railway stations if effectively implemented; however, addressing root causes such as socio-economic insecurity remains vital for long-term prevention.Read more