A sessions court in Mumbai delivered a significant ruling on Thursday, rejecting the bail application of a 60-year-old nurse allegedly at the heart of a child trafficking racket operating from a hospital in the Govandi area. The accused, Anita Sawant, stands charged with conspiring to sell a newborn baby for a sum of Rs 5 lakh.
The Alleged Trafficking Operation
The prosecution's case outlines a disturbing incident that reportedly occurred in November 2025 at Royal Hospital in Govandi. According to officials, Sawant, in alleged collaboration with a doctor identified as Dr. Kayamuddin Khan, conducted the delivery for an unmarried woman who was eight months pregnant. After the birth, the mother is said to have abandoned the child, which is when the hospital staff allegedly initiated an illegal sale.
Active Role in the Illegal Trade
The prosecution strongly argued that nurse Anita Sawant played an "active role" in the illicit transaction. It was claimed that immediately following the delivery, Sawant enlisted the help of a co-accused named Shama to send photographs of the infant to a prospective buyer. The intended purchaser was identified as Darshana Shingare, who allegedly agreed to buy the child for Rs 5 lakh without undertaking any legal adoption procedures.
Court's Reasoning for Bail Rejection
While delivering the order, the judge pointed to substantial evidence linking Sawant to the crime. The court observed that the material on record clearly indicates the accused's involvement in dealing with the purchaser, Darshana Shingare, through the intermediary, Shama. The judge stated, "The material on record indicates the role of the…accused in dealing with the purchaser co-accused Darshana Shingare through co-accused Shama. The …accused along with co-accused thus in furtherance of their common intention and in conspiracy with the co-accused is involved in the commission of the offence." This finding of a prima facie case of conspiracy and common intention was central to the decision to deny bail.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting grave concerns about illegal adoption networks and the exploitation of vulnerable mothers and newborns within certain medical facilities. The bail rejection marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings as the investigation into the wider trafficking racket continues.
