Madikeri : A drunkard was beaten by the general public when he tried to sell his six-month-old baby, being reported from Siddapura, near here.

He has been identified as Basvaaraj, a natïve of Dasavala that comes at the limits of Nanjarayapattana, near here who was beaten while trying to sell his baby.

Basavaraj was working in a plantation at Kodagu since over 6 years.  He was married to twenty-three-year-old Nalini, daughter of Devaki, a resident of Davala in Nanjarayapatttana.  They have a six-month-old baby. Basavaraju was a alcohol addict shunned work and was pestering his wife and mother-in-law for money.  He was demanding dowry as it was not given during wedding and causing mental anguish.

When he did not have any money, he picked up the baby when none was at home.  He hopped to reach Siddapur town and was soliciting to sell the baby in front busy bus stand and hotels.  The general public suspecting foul play thrashed him to confess the truth.

Meanwhile, Nalini rushed to Siddapur town when she did not find her baby at home.  The people helped her to trace the baby with Basavaraj who was beaten.

Nalini lodged a complaint with the police at Siddapur, alleging dowry harassment and trying to sell the baby on her husband Basavaraju.