NEW DELHI: A vigilant local's tip led to the dismantling of a sophisticated child trafficking network. The resident noticed a woman carrying an infant in Paharganj and alerted authorities two weeks later when he saw her with a different baby.
Operation and Arrests
Delhi Police conducted a 15-day operation, rescuing five infants and arresting 13 individuals, including a doctor and the alleged mastermind. Authorities suspect nearly 30 infants may have been trafficked.
Among those arrested was Dr. Viveki, owner of Hira Multi Speciality Hospital in Rohini. She allegedly staged fake hospitalizations to convince relatives of purchasing couples that women were in labor, creating a paper trail to establish false parentage.
Modus Operandi
The racket originated in Rajasthan and Gujarat, targeting pregnant women due to deliver. Brokers in tribal belts persuaded poor families to sell newborns for money. Another part of the network focused on finding buyers at IVF centers and fertility clinics across Delhi-NCR.
Couples were offered infants along with instructions on deception. Women would claim pregnancy and stay near a Delhi hospital, moving to Hira Multi Speciality Hospital as the fabricated due date approached. Gang members would collect newborns from vulnerable families and transport them to Delhi for sale.
Rescued Infants
Police rescued five infants, including a baby girl abandoned at the facility. Male infants were sold at higher prices. Two childless couples from Gwalior and Panipat have been arrested, along with a businesswoman named Sarika.
A senior officer stated the couples were fully aware of the illegality but willingly participated. Further investigation is ongoing to trace more buyers and uncover the network's full scale.
