Ludhiana Baby Trafficking Scandal Deepens with New Revelations
An ongoing investigation into the alleged sale of a newborn baby girl in Ludhiana has taken a disturbing turn, with police uncovering evidence suggesting that the primary accused, BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) graduate Manmeet Kaur, may have been involved in at least two other baby sales. The probe, which has already led to the arrest of five suspects, is now expanding to examine the motives and financial aspects of this illicit trade.
Suspects in Custody and Ongoing Raids
Of the five individuals arrested so far, mother Sunita Devi, 32, and her friend Praveen were remanded in jail on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Dr. Manmeet Kaur, Moga-based Mandeep Kaur, and Manmeet's friend Ruchi have been placed in police custody for three days for intensive interrogation. In a bid to apprehend additional suspects, police teams conducted raids on Tuesday targeting three more individuals: an Asha worker named Pamma from Amritsar, a nurse identified only as Asha from the private hospital where Sunita delivered the baby, and her aide Gurmeet Kaur of Moga. Authorities are also scrutinizing whether Sunita's husband had any knowledge of the baby sale deal.
History of Alleged Baby Sales by BAMS Graduate
An official involved in the case revealed to TOI that preliminary findings indicate Manmeet Kaur's involvement in previous child sales. "Our probe indicates that BAMS graduate Manmeet Kaur was involved in selling children earlier too. As per initial details, one baby was sold about 10 months ago and another a few years ago. Investigation is on to collect more information on both cases," the official stated. This suggests a potential pattern of illegal activity beyond the current incident.
Questionable Motives and Financial Transactions
Police are also investigating the role of Mandeep Kaur, who paid Rs 2.1 lakh to Manmeet for the infant. Mandeep claimed she was desperate for a child after being childless for eight years of marriage, but investigators are skeptical. "Besides, the Moga woman who claims she wanted the baby for herself is not from a well-off family, so how did she manage to pay Rs 2.1 lakh to the accused for the baby? That's also part of our investigation," added the official. This raises concerns about whether Mandeep genuinely intended to keep the baby or planned to resell her.
Chain of Events Leading to the Sale
According to police, Sunita Devi, who has five daughters, did not want to keep her newborn fifth daughter and discussed this with her friend Praveen. Praveen then contacted nurse Asha, who approached Manmeet Kaur. Manmeet enlisted her friend Ruchi to find someone in need of a baby. With assistance from Moga resident Gurmeet Kaur, Ruchi connected with Mandeep. The accused arranged for Mandeep to transfer Rs 2.1 lakh to Manmeet, who was to distribute the money among the involved parties. Authorities are also examining any possible complicity of the private hospital in this unsettling case.
The investigation continues as police work to unravel the full extent of this baby trafficking network and ensure justice for the vulnerable infants involved.
