In a disturbing case from Gujarat, a daily wage labourer couple from Banaskantha has been arrested for allegedly selling their 10-day-old son due to financial distress.
Arrests expose wider trafficking network
Police confirmed that the couple, along with two suspected traffickers, were arrested on Monday, taking the total number of arrests in the case to nine. Investigators believe the case is linked to a larger child trafficking racket operating across the region.
Authorities are probing whether the child was deliberately born for sale or if extreme poverty forced the family into the act.
Racket uncovered near airport
The trafficking network first came to light on January 29, when four accused were intercepted near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport while allegedly attempting to transport a 15-day-old infant to Hyderabad for sale.
Subsequent investigations revealed a wider operation involving agents working across remote tribal areas.
Vulnerable families targeted
Police suspect that at least 20 children from economically weaker families in Banaskantha and Sabarkantha districts have been trafficked to Hyderabad over the past two years.
Agents reportedly targeted vulnerable families, offering money in exchange for newborns. Payments ranged between ₹5 lakh and ₹15 lakh, depending on factors such as gender, age and complexion, with newborn boys fetching higher amounts.
Probe expands to financial and medical links
Investigators are now examining financial transactions and hospital records to trace the full extent of the network. Authorities are also probing suspected links to intermediaries and possible involvement of medical facilities.
Several accused, including agents connected to the racket, remain absconding.
Serious concerns over child protection
The case has raised serious concerns about child trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable communities. Officials have assured strict action and intensified efforts to dismantle the network