Police uncovered a well-organised syndicate that sold babies to childless couples for lakhs of rupees
Delhi Police have dismantled a major interstate child trafficking network operating across north India, arresting 12 people, including the alleged kingpin and owner of a Rohini-based IVF hospital.
The investigation began on June 5 after the Central District Operations Unit received a tip-off. Police sent decoy customers to meet a woman near RK Ashram Metro Station in Paharganj, where a deal for a male infant was struck with an advance payment of Rs 20,000. This led to the arrest of Jyoti alias Kamlesh, along with associates Shalu and Lalit.
A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice Act. During interrogation, police uncovered a well-organised interstate syndicate that procured infants from Rajasthan, Gujarat and other regions before selling them to childless couples for large sums.
According to police, Jyoti acted as a key trafficker, sourcing infants through intermediaries including Saybabhai Ghamar alias Kalia. Shalu handled the custody and delivery of babies, while Lalit assisted in financial transactions linked to trafficking.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Pratibha and Vipin while they were allegedly arranging another infant. Police recovered Rs 2.92 lakh from them, believed to be intended for the purchase of a newborn. Pratibha, a freelance lab technician associated with Heera Multi Speciality Hospital, allegedly coordinated procurement and sales of infants. Omwati, another accused and repeat offender, allegedly acted as a mediator in several transactions.
IVF hospital owner’s role
Police identified Dr Viveki, owner of Heera Multi Speciality Hospital in Begampur, as the alleged kingpin of the operation. Investigators claim trafficked infants were kept at the hospital while prospective buyers were identified among childless couples seeking fertility treatment.
According to police, baby girls were allegedly sold for Rs 3-4 lakh and baby boys for Rs 7-8 lakh, reflecting higher demand for male children. The syndicate also allegedly created forged medical records, birth documents and hospital paperwork to establish false parentage and facilitate illegal transfers.
The network reportedly involved suppliers, transporters, mediators and facilitators operating across multiple states. Infants, many from poor and tribal families, were allegedly purchased for as little as Rs 10,000-15,000 and later sold for several lakh rupees.
Five infants rescued
Police have rescued five infants so far—two from Gwalior and three from Panipat. Four of the rescued children belong to tribal communities. All have been produced before the Child Welfare Committee for care and rehabilitation.
Investigators have also identified several buyers, including couples from Gwalior and Panipat. The probe suggests the syndicate may have trafficked around 30 infants over the past two years.
The breakthrough came after a Paharganj resident noticed a woman repeatedly appearing with different infants over short intervals and alerted police. Surveillance and intelligence gathering eventually led investigators to the trafficking network and the Rohini hospital that allegedly served as a holding point before the infants were sold.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
