In a major breakthrough, the Gujarat Police Crime Branch and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) dismantled an inter-state child trafficking racket, rescuing a 15-day-old infant from a moving car near Kotarpur, close to Ahmedabad airport. The operation revealed a network with links to Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

The vehicle, arriving from Himmatnagar, was intercepted in an intelligence-led operation. Three suspects—Roshan Agarwal of Hyderabad, Sumit Yadav of Uttar Pradesh, and Vandana Panchal of Ahmedabad—were arrested on the spot, and the newborn was handed over to the Child Health Officer for immediate medical care and protection.

Investigations revealed the infant had been purchased for Rs 3.6 lakh from a trafficker identified as Munna alias Yunus in Himmatnagar. The accused planned to transport the baby to Hyderabad to sell him to an agent named Nagaraj, both of whom are currently absconding. Multiple police teams have been deployed to trace them.

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Authorities highlighted that the accused have a prior history of child trafficking. Vandana and Roshan had previously been involved in similar cases in Hyderabad and resumed criminal activity after being granted bail. Police are also probing the infant’s biological mother and the middlemen involved.

The racket reportedly sources newborns from regions such as Sabarkantha and Banaskantha. “Children are often sold due to social pressures, including premarital pregnancies or extramarital relationships,” said ACP Bharat Patel, emphasizing the organized and inter-state nature of the network.

With the newborn now safe, authorities continue their investigation to dismantle the entire trafficking chain and apprehend all absconding members. Police are working to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice while securing the welfare of the rescued child.

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