A private hospital in Delhi’s Begumpur area has come under intense scrutiny after Delhi Police uncovered an alleged inter-state child-trafficking racket operating from the facility. The operation led to the rescue of five infants and the arrest of 13 individuals, including the hospital owner, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the network.
Child Trafficking Network Exposed Through Decoy Operation
The case surfaced on June 5 when a Paharganj resident informed police about suspicious activities involving a woman who was allegedly seen carrying different infants over a period of two weeks. Acting on the tip-off, investigators reviewed CCTV footage and launched a decoy operation to verify the allegations.
During the operation, an undercover police officer posed as a prospective buyer and established contact with the suspects. Police said the woman agreed to hand over a newborn after receiving an advance payment of Rs 20,000. Three accused were arrested during the transaction, and a four-to-five-day-old infant was rescued.
Hospital Owner Allegedly Led Trafficking Racket
Further interrogation of the arrested suspects led investigators to other members of the network, including a freelance laboratory technician associated with the hospital, a driver, and the hospital owner. Delhi Police alleged that the hospital owner orchestrated the trafficking operation, which had reportedly been functioning for nearly one-and-a-half years.
All accused have been booked under human trafficking charges and relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
At Least 30 Infants Suspected to Have Been Trafficked
According to investigators, the network is suspected to have trafficked at least 30 infants during the past 18 months. Police alleged that newborn babies were purchased from vulnerable families and later sold to childless couples at significantly higher prices.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh stated that girl children were allegedly purchased for around Rs 1 lakh and sold for Rs 3-4 lakh, while boys were bought for up to Rs 2 lakh and sold for Rs 6-8 lakh. Three couples who allegedly purchased infants from the network have also been arrested.
Forged Birth Records and Illegal Adoption Documents
Investigators further alleged that the hospital owner facilitated illegal adoptions by forging birth certificates, delivery records, and other documents to conceal the true identities and origins of the infants.
Police believe the forged records played a crucial role in legitimising the illegal transfer of newborns and helping trafficked children evade detection.
Rescued Infants Placed Under Child Welfare Committee Care
Delhi Police have constituted three dedicated teams to trace additional infants who may have been trafficked through the network. The rescued babies have been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee while authorities work to identify their biological parents and determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking operation.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials expecting further arrests and disclosures as the probe expands.
