Palanpur: Banaskantha Local Crime Branch (LCB) inspector DM Rathod has been honored with the 'Best Detection Award' for his exceptional work in investigating a pan-India child-trafficking racket, where newborns were kidnapped and sold for substantial sums of money.
Operation Dev: A Landmark Investigation
Rathod led the probe under the banner of 'Operation Dev,' initiated after the abduction and swift rescue of a four-year-old boy on April 6. The investigation leveraged advanced technical surveillance and artificial intelligence, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals, including the mastermind, Bodasu Nagaraju alias Murugan from Telangana.
Modus Operandi of the Gang
The gang's method involved luring childless couples, particularly those frequenting IVF centers, and selling them trafficked newborns purchased from financially desperate parents. The racket operated across multiple states, exploiting vulnerable families.
The award was presented to Rathod by Gujarat Director General of Police GS Malik, recognizing his dedication and the successful dismantling of the criminal network.
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