Bengal Couple Sell Their Baby To Buy iPhone; Arrested

A couple in West Bengal sold their eight-month-old baby to buy an iPhone. The incident took place in North 24 Parganas district.

The authorities stated that they have apprehended the mother, while the father remains at large and is being pursued by the police. The situation came to the public's attention when local residents grew suspicious of the couple, not having seen the baby for several weeks. They promptly reported their concerns to the police, as mentioned by a senior officer, PTI reported.

"We have arrested the mother and started looking for the father who has been absconding after the incident was reported to us. The couple sold the infant to someone, and purchased an iPhone 14 to make reels (short video clips for social media)," he told PTI.

"The mother has also admitted that they spent the money that was earned by selling the baby to travel to places like Digha and Mandarmoni," he added. The incident happened a month ago, but was reported to the police on July 24, the officer said.

The searches are underway to nab the father while the cops are interrogating the mother. They are also searching for the couple who bought the baby. "We will also book them as this is illegal," the officer said.