Lucknow: A newborn baby was rescued in Lucknow after police uncovered an alleged illegal child sale in which a childless homemaker is accused of promising to build a house for a daily wage labourer in exchange for her newborn. Police are also probing whether the case is linked to a larger baby trafficking network.
The Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Unit and Gudamba Police registered an FIR against five individuals, including the homemaker, the child’s biological mother, two doctors and the management of St Mary’s Polyclinic.
House allegedly offered in exchange for newborn
According to police, the alleged agreement was made nearly three months before the baby’s birth. Aarti Devi, a daily wage labourer and mother of three from Bahadurpur, allegedly agreed to hand over her fourth child to Renu Sharma, a childless homemaker from Shanti Vihar.
Investigators said Renu allegedly promised to build a house for Aarti in return for the baby.
The newborn was allegedly handed over to Renu two days after birth at St Mary’s Polyclinic on August 3.
Fake hospital records under scanner
Police alleged that Aarti was admitted to the hospital under Renu Sharma’s name, allowing forged medical records to identify Renu as the biological mother.
Acting on a tip-off, police raided Renu’s residence and rescued the infant.
An FIR has been registered against Renu Sharma, Aarti Devi, Dr Shalu, Dr Vinod, and the hospital management.
Probe widens into possible trafficking network
The hospital administration has claimed that the woman admitted herself using a false identity and that the management was unaware of the alleged fraud. Police, however, said every aspect of the case is being thoroughly investigated.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Yadav said investigators are examining hospital birth and discharge records, digital evidence, electronic data and financial transactions. DNA fingerprinting may also be conducted to establish the child’s biological parentage if required.
The rescued newborn has been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee and shifted to the Government Children’s Home in Hazratganj while the investigation continues.