Newborn sold for Rs 2.6 lakh in UP: Nurse, hospital owner among 4 held
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Greater Noida: A nurse was caught red-handed on Saturday while allegedly trying to sell a newborn baby girl for Rs 2.60 lakh in Greater Noida, prompting the arrest of three others, including the owner of a private hospital, officials said.
Police revealed that a conspiracy had been unearthed involving the sale of a five-to-six-day-old infant in Greater Noida West. The transaction was reportedly fixed at Rs 2.60 lakh. Acting swiftly, authorities apprehended the accused and launched a further investigation into the case.
The matter came to light after a couple residing in a Greater Noida housing society explored adoption options through social media platforms. During this search, they were contacted by several suspicious individuals who demanded a substantial amount of money in exchange for arranging a child.
After negotiations, the deal was finalised at Rs 2.60 lakh. Suspecting foul play, the couple informed Child Helpline authorities, triggering coordinated action by multiple agencies.
Following the tip-off, teams from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), the Child Welfare Committee, and Bisrakh Kotwali police conducted an operation to catch the accused. According to officials, the accused had asked the couple to meet near the Bisrakh roundabout for the handover of the infant.
Central Noida DCP Shakti Awasthi said, “On Saturday evening, around 4:30 p.m., a woman arrived at the location carrying a 10-day-old baby girl. Police teams deployed in plainclothes apprehended her red-handed. She is employed at a private hospital in Greater Noida West.”
Following interrogation, three more individuals were arrested: Yashika Garg, the owner of the private hospital; Gajendra, a sanitation worker; and Ranjit, an operating theatre technician. Investigators said more names are emerging during the probe, and questioning of other suspects is ongoing. Police suspect that multiple such networks are operating via social media platforms, targeting individuals seeking to adopt children.
Authorities added that the biological parents of the infant have not yet been traced. Preliminary findings suggest that the child’s mother may have abandoned her at the hospital before leaving, and efforts are ongoing to identify her.
The rescued baby girl has been shifted to a shelter facility in Noida for care and protection. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further details in the case are awaited.
With IANS inputs