In a big revelation in the probe into Missionaries of Charity in Ranchi, it has come to light that the institution had indulged in selling babies to childless couples. Investigation has revealed that there have been more than 280 births at its facilities whose records do not exist. More than 450 pregnant women were admitted in various homes run by the Missionaries of Charity organisation but the records show only 170. The discrepancies took place between 2015 and 2018. This is a staggering difference, considering that this is a case involving illegit sale of new-born children by organisations which operate under the garb of doing charity. These children have been most likely sold illegally sold to childless couples by the missionaries. According to police in Ranchi, an official said, “We are investigating all angles… of the sale of children to childless couple. We have gone through records of the pregnant women and new-born babies. There are discrepancies in the records,”
The Teresa founded charity had been in the news recently after an employee from its Ranchi based centre had been arrested for child trafficking. The charity organisation has come under the radar of law authorities after investigations led to numerous discrepancies as the investigation process took place. The initial complaint was filed by a couple Mr. And Mrs. Agarwal from Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh who had brought a child from the institution from a worker named Anima at a price of Rs 1.20 lakhs. The scam came to light when the baby was taken back by the Missionaries of Charity workers citing legal formalities. The couple had later on approached Child Welfare Society after they failed to get possession of the child. Police is probing this case and the case of 280 missing children as a case of human trafficking whose roots they are trying to reach.
The surprising thing here is that the media and important people from all walks of life have maintained silence over this issue. Jharkhand is a hotbed for the works of missionaries who actively poach people, especially the tribals, to join their faith, luring them and even intimidating them if the need arises. Citing these events, Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das had passed the anti-Conversion bill in the state which had come under much fire from the opposition in the state. The same opposition today has chosen to remain silent when one of their own has been caught red handed in the evilest act imaginable. It is impossible that such a large case of human trafficking could have taken place without the support of important people in the state. These people now run the risk of getting punished and of their image getting tarnished. Further investigation in the case could open the doors to even more such cases of illegal work being done under the garb of charity work by the Teresa founded Catholic institution.
An extensive probe against all the missionary run organisations needs to be carried out in Jharkhand which will expose more such cases of human trafficking. These are the nefarious ways in which Christian organisations work in states with a huge tribal population. What is more shocking or surprising though is the silence of the people who were shedding crocodile tears over the issue of illegal migrants being separated from their children in USA. These celebrities and page three socialites have chosen to look the other way when a missionary foundation, started by Teresa is on the guilty side. Shameful, indeed.
