Banaskantha Police Uncover Vast Interstate Newborn Trafficking Network
An extensive investigation launched following the rescue of a kidnapped four-year-old boy in Banaskantha on April 6 has revealed a deeply disturbing multi-state racket specializing in the abduction and sale of newborn infants. Authorities report that the operation primarily targeted babies whose parents were in severe financial distress due to poverty.
Kingpin and Gang Members Arrested in Telangana
On Monday, the Banaskantha police successfully apprehended three key members of the so-called 'Murugan Gang,' based in Telangana. The group is led by the alleged kingpin, Murugan, who is accused of abducting and trading at least eight newborns. The victims include two infants each in Banaskantha and Maharashtra, three in Hyderabad and Telangana, and one in Delhi.
The investigation, dubbed 'Operation Dev,' began on April 6 after police rescued the four-year-old son of a Rajasthan couple and arrested two individuals: Shailesh Gamar and Babu Bhagaro from Danta. Their interrogation unveiled the extensive child trafficking network allegedly operated by Bodashu Nagaraju, also known as Murugan Bodashu Venkati, aged 32.
Utilizing advanced technical surveillance and artificial intelligence, a special team from the Banaskantha police tracked Murugan to Kagaznagar in Telangana. Alongside Murugan, authorities arrested Kasarapu Tirupathi Kasarapu Mallalah, a resident of Sirikonda, Karimnagar, and Keleti Gangadhar Gangarajan, from Madulata, Karimnagar.
Shocking Modus Operandi Involving IVF Centers
Police officials, including Sumbe, detailed the gang's alarming methods. "The probe revealed a shocking operation involving IVF centers in Hyderabad," Sumbe explained. "Murugan and his wife, Surakrishnaveni, would identify women with low fertility at these centers and then arrange for healthy, highly fertile women to be sent there."
The gang established connections with several IVF facilities, including:
- Forty Nine IVF Centre, Secunderabad
- Hegde IVF Centre, Banjara Hills
- Nova IVF Centre, Kukatpally Y Junction
"They received a commission of Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per woman from these centers," Sumbe continued. "However, realizing that selling newborns was far more lucrative, they began procuring infants from various states and selling them through agents within 24 to 48 hours of birth, for Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per child."
Murugan allegedly formed a syndicate of agents across multiple cities who specifically targeted vulnerable and impoverished individuals in desperate need of money, convincing them to sell their babies.
Four-Year Trafficking History and Previous Arrests
Officials stated that Murugan has been involved in child trafficking for approximately four years. He was previously arrested in connection with a case at the Chaitanyapuri police station in Hyderabad and was held in Cherlapalli Central Jail for three months starting March 19, 2025. Murugan's wife is also reportedly involved in a separate child trafficking case in Maharashtra.
Other agents identified in the network include:
- Somu Amulya Mallesh, Shishivarani, Sisirigiri alias Rani Venkatarama Rao, and Akaa, all based in Hyderabad
- Kavita Jadav in Mumbai and Badlapur (Thane)
- Rishi (R.K.) Sharma in Delhi
- Rohidas in Mumbai
- Saroja in Vijayawada
Key Breakthrough from Minor's Detention
Vital information about Murugan emerged following the detention of a juvenile, who is just 15 days away from turning 18, in connection with the April 6 abduction in Banaskantha. His name surfaced during the interrogation of Gamar and Bhagaro. Police apprehended him from a bus on the Vadodara-Mumbai highway a few days ago, recovering Rs 1.5 lakh in cash.
"The minor's mother from Aravalli is currently lodged in Rajahmundry Central Jail for child trafficking," said Sumbe. "She was part of Murugan's network and instructed her son to continue her illicit activities."
Gamar, who was introduced to the juvenile by Babu, attempted to negotiate a deal to sell the four-year-old boy. However, he was captured when the child was rescued on the same day.
This investigation highlights a severe and organized crime operation exploiting the most vulnerable in society, with law enforcement employing modern technology to dismantle the network and bring perpetrators to justice.
