Multiple Cases of Illegal Infant Sales Unearthed in Telangana’s Medak District
A shocking infant trafficking racket has come to light in Telangana’s Medak district, where gangs allegedly involved in the illegal sale of newborn babies were operating in and around government and private maternity hospitals. Investigators suspect that some hospital staff members acted as facilitators, helping childless couples purchase infants in exchange for money.
Over the last three months, the Medak police, along with officials from the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), have uncovered multiple cases linked to the illegal sale of newborns. Authorities revealed that vulnerable tribal families and financially distressed parents were allegedly targeted by brokers and middlemen.
Tribal Couple Allegedly Sold Newborn Son for Rs 1.70 Lakh
In the first case reported in February, a tribal couple from Lingasanipally Thanda allegedly sold their newborn baby boy to a childless couple from Kamareddy district for Rs 1.70 lakh.
The case surfaced after an Anganwadi teacher and an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) questioned the disappearance of the infant. Their inquiry led officials to trace the baby to Kamareddy district. Police later arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the illegal transaction.
Hospital Staff Accused of Falsely Declaring Baby Dead
In another disturbing incident reported from a private hospital in Medak town, hospital staff allegedly informed a couple that their newborn baby girl had died immediately after birth and claimed that the body had already been disposed of.
However, after receiving information from a whistleblower, the parents approached the police and filed a complaint. During the investigation, authorities reportedly discovered that the infant had been sold to a childless couple in Siddipet.
Earlier, a nurse from a private hospital in Medak district had also been arrested for allegedly selling a newborn baby girl for Rs 1.5 lakh after falsely informing the mother that the child had died shortly after delivery.
Middlemen Targeted Economically Vulnerable Families
In a third case, another tribal woman who delivered her fourth child allegedly sold the newborn with the help of a middleman for Rs 3 lakh. Reports suggested that the parents received only Rs 40,000, while the remaining amount was allegedly distributed among facilitators and brokers.
Following complaints lodged by local Anganwadi staff and an ANM, police arrested 10 persons in connection with the case.
Investigators believe middlemen were actively visiting tribal villages to identify financially vulnerable families, particularly those with multiple children and limited awareness about family planning. Officials suspect the accused lured such families into illegal infant sale deals by offering money.
Authorities Raise Concern Over Infant Trafficking Network
The recent cases have triggered serious concerns over the possibility of a wider infant trafficking network operating in Telangana’s Medak district. Authorities are now focusing on tightening monitoring mechanisms around maternity hospitals and strengthening vigilance to prevent illegal adoption and child trafficking activities.
Police investigations are currently underway to identify the full extent of the racket and determine whether more hospital employees or brokers were involved in the illegal operations.
