CBI Busts Child Trafficking Ring In Delhi, Three Infants Rescued: What We Know

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested seven individuals across Delhi and Haryana for their alleged involvement in a heinous racket.The scheme, conducted covertly via social media channels including Facebook and WhatsApp, aimed at selling infants to childless couples. Amidst the operation, two newborns, merely 1.5 days and 15 days old, were successfully rescued by the CBI.

Led by the CBI, raids took place in seven areas covering Rohini and Keshavpuram, exposing a network engaged in the illegal trafficking of newborn babies. Those arrested include women and a hospital employee suspected of being involved in the heinous acts of purchasing and selling innocent new born babies.

The Racket

The  CBI investigation revealed a disturbing modus operandi used by the accused. It was found that these individuals, driven solely by greed, obtained babies from vulnerable sources, such as their own parents or surrogate mothers. These innocent children were then subjected to a commercialized trade, with prices ranging from Rs 4 to Rs 6 lakh per child.

The accused used social media platforms, especially Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups, to facilitate their dark trade. They exploited the vulnerabilities of couples struggling with infertility by posting carefully worded advertisements, falsely promising them the joys of parenthood.

The accused didn't stop at trafficking; they went further into outright fraud. They callously tricked many unsuspecting couples by making fake adoption papers, stealing large sums of money from them.

Coordinated Raids and Arrests

The CBI operation unfolded with precision, as raids were carried out not only in Delhi but also in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab to dismantle the entire trafficking network, reportedly involving individuals from various backgrounds, including hospital staff, middlemen, and traffickers.

Among those arrested, alleged key figures were identified as Neeraj from Sonipat, Haryana, and Indu Pawar from Paschim Vihar, Delhi. Additionally, Neeraj's close associate, Aslam, from Patel Nagar, was arrested. The arrests also included individuals responsible for finding potential buyers and caring for trafficked newborns until they were sold.

During their investigation, the CBI discovered tangible evidence of the illegal activities; they seized a total of Rs 5.5 lakh in cash, along with incriminating documents, providing clear proof of the extent of the operation.  A total of 10 individuals, including those arrested, have been charged under different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015.

A charge sheet is expected to be filed soon, and additional arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.