Covid adoption: Cops told to be cautious

New Delhi: With messages on social media floating of people having adopted and willing to adopt children who have lost parents to Covid-19, chairman of Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) Anurag Kundu has asked Delhi Police to intervene in these matters and increase their vigilance on social media.

This red flag from Kundu follows the fear that some may use this opportunity for trafficking or selling children.

In a letter to Delhi Police commissioner SN Srivastava, Kundu said, “I want to bring to your attention my concern about social media being currently filled with adoption information of acceptance and offer of children who have turned orphan during the pandemic. The child rights commission has come across many instances on social media where people who have information about orphans are encouraging others to adopt them.”

“In some cases the post update informs the children have been adopted. I am sure some of these are out of ignorance of the law governing adoption, however, they may also be cases of trafficking and sale/purchase of the children. These need to probed to get to the depth of the matter,” the letter added.

Kundu said he will also be writing to the DCP, cyber crime, with specific instances requesting inquiry.

“I request through this letter your intervention so that Delhi Police becomes more vigilant on social media of any such instances and starts taking cognizance of these cases. I am concerned about the future of children who have lost their parents and ensuring that they don’t fall prey to trafficking is the minimum we can do,” said Kundu.

The commission has also launched a helpline 9311551393 asking people to report of such cases and even if any child is in need of essential supplies, or are experiencing stress, anxiety.

.