Medak Police Bust Baby Trafficking Ring, Arrest Nine in Infant Sale Case

Hyderabad: Authorities in Medak district have exposed a systematic network involved in the illegal sale of infants, following the discovery that a tribal couple had sold their newborn baby for Rs. 3 lakh amid severe financial constraints.

The case came to light when Anganwadi workers noticed the absence of a newborn from the mother shortly after delivery at the Medak Mother and Child Health Centre. The child's disappearance prompted officials to escalate the matter to police, triggering a comprehensive investigation.

According to statements made by Medak DSP Prasanna Kumar and CI Mahesh on Wednesday at the town police station, Shirisha and Devi Singh, residents of Pothireddypalli Thanda in Kolcharam mandal, had recently given birth at the health facility. Already parents to three children, the couple reportedly felt unable to manage the financial burden of raising another child.

The trafficking arrangement allegedly unfolded through a chain of intermediaries. Relatives of the couple connected them with mediators, who subsequently introduced them to Bomma Kamalamma and Lingayya from Allinagar in Kowdipally mandal. The prospective buyers, who had no children of their own, agreed to purchase the infant.

Police investigations revealed that the transaction was finalized near a tractor showroom adjacent to the hospital on April 1. The buyers handed over Rs. 3 lakh and took possession of the child, authorities said.

The case unraveled when an Anganwadi teacher observed that the newborn was not present with the mother following delivery. The observation was reported to supervisors, who subsequently filed a formal complaint with police.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers successfully traced and rescued the infant. A woman named Sharada from Armur was identified as playing a pivotal role in facilitating the transaction. Police also identified several other individuals involved in the arrangement, including mediators and relatives named Sony, Dharmasoth Raju, Premila, Mahender, and Bhaskar.

Police registered cases against ten individuals, with nine accused remanded to judicial custody. However, the infant's biological father, Devi Singh, remains at large.

Investigators seized six mobile phones and Rs. 38,000 in cash during the operation. Notably, the inquiry revealed a significant disparity in the money flow: while Rs. 3 lakh changed hands, the biological parents received only Rs. 40,000, with mediator Sharada allegedly pocketing Rs. 2.10 lakh from the transaction.

Police have warned of stringent action against those engaged in child trafficking activities. Officials suspect the network deliberately targeted economically vulnerable tribal families, exploiting their financial desperation to facilitate infant sales. DSP Prasanna Kumar cautioned that such operations would face strict legal consequences.