Delhi Police have busted an alleged interstate newborn trafficking racket and arrested 13 people, including the operator of a private hospital, in a case involving illegal infant sales, forged birth records and suspected trafficking links across multiple states. Investigators allege that the network bought newborns from economically vulnerable families for ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 and sold them to childless couples for ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
According to police, the racket may have facilitated the sale of nearly 30 infants over the past 18 months. Five newborn babies have been rescued so far and placed in protective care, while police teams continue to conduct raids in multiple states to trace other suspects.
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Undercover Operation in Paharganj
The investigation began in the first week of June after police received information that a woman in the Paharganj area was repeatedly seen carrying different newborn babies on separate occasions. Acting on the input, investigators placed the area under surveillance and deployed an undercover officer posing as a prospective buyer.
During negotiations, a deal for a newborn child was allegedly finalised, and a token payment of ₹20,000 was made to establish contact with the suspects. Police said that on June 5, when the accused handed over a four-to-five-day-old infant to the undercover operative, officers arrested Jyoti alias Kamlesh.
Her interrogation led to the arrest of Shalu and Lalit on the same day. Information gathered during questioning later led police to Hira Multi Specialty Hospital in Rohini, where the operator, Dr. Viveki, was arrested for his alleged role in coordinating the trafficking network.
Infants Bought Cheap, Sold for Lakhs
Police allege that members of the gang targeted financially distressed families in Rajasthan and Gujarat and persuaded them to give up newborn children for small payments. The infants were then allegedly transported to Delhi and sold to childless couples for several lakh rupees.
Investigators claim that male infants were sold at higher prices than female infants. According to the probe, boys were allegedly sold for ₹8 lakh to ₹10 lakh, while girls were sold for lower amounts.
Authorities also arrested a laboratory technician and a driver who were allegedly involved in facilitating transactions and transporting infants between states. Police believe the network included suppliers, intermediaries, document forgers, transporters and buyers.
Forged Birth Certificates Under Scanner
A key part of the alleged operation involved forged birth certificates and other fabricated documents. Police allege that these records were created to make the children appear legally available for adoption and to hide their true identities and origins.
The investigation has also extended to individuals accused of purchasing children through the network. Raids conducted in multiple states led to the arrest of several alleged buyers, and police said the role of every person involved in the transactions is being examined.
Police have rescued five babies aged between 27 days and four months and placed them in a shelter home under protective care. Authorities are working to identify their biological parents before any legal reunification process. Investigators have also recovered ₹2.92 lakh in cash believed to be linked to a recent infant transaction, while further arrests are expected as the probe expands.
