Agartala, May 27: Tripura Minister for Food, Sushanta Chowdhury has strongly refuted allegations made by Opposition Leader Jiten Chowdhury that a newborn was sold out by the mother in Dhalai district. 

Addressing the reporters at the Civil Secretariat, the Food Minister clarified that the Opposition Leader had written a letter to the Chief Secretary concerning the matter, which was also brought to the attention of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
In response, the Chief Minister promptly instructed the district administration to investigate and take appropriate action. The district administration's report revealed that Mormari Tripura, a resident of Taraban Colony in the Gandacherra sub-division, lost her husband six months ago. Already a mother of five, she gave birth to another child on May 22.
The Food Minister further clarified that the woman did not sell her child. Instead, she handed over the baby to a childless couple for adoption the day after delivery. However, due to legal complications, the adoption could not proceed, and the child was returned to Mormari Tripura on May 25.
The district administration's report confirmed that the family possesses a ration card and regularly receives supplies from their designated ration dealer. Additionally, Mormari Tripura has been receiving essential nutritional support under the AWC/ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) program, including Rice Dal Mix, eggs, and Cheera, for the past eight months. She also holds a job card, and her family received 110 mandays under the MGNREGA Scheme for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Furthermore, financial assistance for the education and nutrition of her school-going children will be provided under the Mission Vatsalya scheme. Efforts are also underway to grant Mormari Tripura a state widow pension.