In a shocking incident that has rattled the city of Thane, the local police have successfully busted a child trafficking racket and arrested five individuals for attempting to sell a seven-day-old baby girl for a sum of Rs 6 lakh. The police acted on a precise tip-off, preventing the illegal transaction and rescuing the infant.
The Sting Operation and Arrests
The operation was conducted by the Thane Police's Crime Branch Unit 5 on Wednesday, based on credible intelligence about the planned sale. The police team laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while the monetary negotiation for the baby was underway. The arrested individuals have been identified as Santosh Shinde (30), his wife Rukmini Shinde (25), Shabana Khan (40), Reshma Khan (22), and Taslim Khan (45).
According to police officials, the mastermind of the operation was Taslim Khan, who was orchestrating the sale. The baby girl was allegedly offered for adoption by her biological parents, Santosh and Rukmini Shinde, due to financial difficulties. The intermediaries, Shabana and Reshma Khan, were actively involved in finding a buyer and negotiating the price, which was fixed at Rs 6 lakh.
Motives and Investigation Details
Preliminary investigations suggest that extreme financial distress pushed the biological parents towards this drastic step. The accused had allegedly planned the sale under the guise of a legal adoption to avoid suspicion. However, the police tip-off revealed their true intentions of trafficking the newborn for money.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The rescued infant has been taken to a government hospital for a thorough medical examination and is now under the protection of child welfare authorities. Further investigation is ongoing to determine if the accused are part of a larger, organized child trafficking network operating in the region.
Community Reaction and Official Statements
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among local residents and child rights activists. It highlights the vulnerabilities faced by impoverished families and the grim reality of child trafficking networks exploiting such situations. Police authorities have commended the team for their swift action and have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to child sales or illegal adoptions immediately.
This case serves as a stern reminder of the continuous efforts required to combat child trafficking. It also underscores the importance of supporting legal adoption channels and providing adequate social and financial support systems to prevent desperate parents from falling prey to such illicit rackets.
