ChildTrafficking – Delhi Police Uncover Multi-State Infant Trafficking Network, 13 Arrested
ChildTrafficking – A major crackdown by the Delhi Police has exposed an alleged child trafficking network operating across several states, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals, including suspected traffickers, brokers, buyers, and a private hospital owner. Authorities have also rescued five infants during the ongoing investigation.
Decoy Operation Leads to First Arrests
The investigation began on June 5 when police officers conducted an undercover operation near RK Ashram Metro Station in Delhi’s Paharganj area. Acting as prospective buyers, officers intercepted three suspects identified as Jyoti alias Kamlesh, Shalu, and Lalit. The trio was allegedly attempting to sell a newborn boy when they were apprehended.
During the operation, police rescued the infant and recovered Rs 20,000 that had been handed over as advance payment by undercover officers. Following the arrest, a case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Investigation Reveals Organised Network
According to investigators, questioning of the arrested suspects, combined with technical surveillance and evidence collection, uncovered the existence of a well-organised interstate syndicate. The group allegedly obtained infants through a network of suppliers and intermediaries before selling them to childless couples in exchange for large sums of money.
Police officials said the operation stretched across multiple states, including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Infants were reportedly transported between states and provided with forged documents to create false records of parentage, making the transactions appear legitimate.
Key Accused Identified by Police
Investigators have identified Jyoti as one of the central coordinators of the alleged trafficking operation. Another accused, Saybabhai Ghamar, also known as Kalia, is suspected of arranging the supply of infants from parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Further inquiries led to the arrest of Pratibha, a freelance laboratory technician, and Vipin, a driver. Police allege that both played supporting roles in transporting infants and facilitating deals between sellers and buyers.
Authorities also recovered Rs 2.92 lakh in cash, which investigators believe was intended for the purchase of another newborn child.
Hospital Owner Accused of Supporting Illegal Adoptions
A significant development in the case was the alleged involvement of Dr. Viveki, owner of Heera Multi Speciality Hospital in Begampur. Police claim that the hospital served as an important link in the trafficking chain.
Investigators allege that trafficked infants were temporarily kept at the facility, where prospective adoptive buyers were connected with sellers. The hospital is also suspected of generating forged medical and birth-related documents that were used to support illegal adoption arrangements.
More Infants Rescued During Follow-Up Raids
As the investigation expanded, police conducted additional operations in Panipat and Gwalior, resulting in the rescue of four more infants. With these recoveries, the total number of rescued children has risen to five.
Officials believe that four of the rescued infants may belong to tribal communities, though efforts are continuing to verify their identities and trace their biological families.
Children Placed Under Official Care
All rescued infants have been placed under the supervision of the Child Welfare Committee. Authorities are now working to identify their biological parents and determine the full scale of the trafficking network.
Police officials stated that further investigations are underway and additional arrests may follow as more links in the alleged syndicate are uncovered.