Gujarat Police Bust Interstate Child Trafficking Network, Rescue Newborn Baby
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Ahmedabad City Police's Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has arrested three individuals, including a woman, and rescued a newborn baby who was allegedly purchased as part of a child trafficking operation. The accused were intercepted while transporting the infant from Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district to Hyderabad for sale, exposing a racket that spans multiple states including Gujarat, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Coordinated Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
The breakthrough came following crucial intelligence provided by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which was subsequently shared with the Crime Branch on January 28. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a specialized team laid an elaborate trap near Kotarpur Pumping Station, close to the Ahmedabad Airport boundary wall. The police strategically intercepted a white Maruti Ertiga vehicle that was traveling from Himmatnagar toward the airport.
Upon thorough inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered a newborn baby in the possession of the occupants. The driver of the car was immediately detained for questioning, while the three primary accused were taken into custody. This operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination in tackling serious organized crimes that threaten vulnerable populations.
Confessions Reveal Disturbing Transaction Details
During intensive interrogation, the arrested individuals confessed to purchasing the newborn from a person identified as Munnu, located near Himmatnagar, for a staggering amount of Rs 3,60,000. Their intended destination was Hyderabad, where they planned to sell the infant to an agent named Nagraj. This revelation underscores the commercial nature of the trafficking operation, where human lives are treated as commodities in a lucrative illegal market.
The police have identified the arrested accused as Vandana Jigara Panchal (34), originally from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh but currently residing in Ahmedabad's Odhav area; Roshan alias Sajjan Mahavirprasad Agrawal (42), a native of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan living in Hyderabad, Telangana; and Sumit Bachchan Yadav (27), hailing from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh and residing in Ahmedabad's Vatva locality. The vehicle driver, Maulik Umiyashankar Dave (32), remains under detention as the investigation continues.
Evidence Seized and Legal Action Initiated
Authorities have seized substantial evidence from the accused, including Rs 10,050 in cash, four mobile phones, and the Maruti Ertiga vehicle used for transportation. A formal complaint has been registered against all involved parties—the arrested individuals along with the alleged sellers and buyers Munnu and Nagraj—under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Juvenile Justice Act.
The charges include:
- BNS Section 143(4) for human trafficking
- BNS Section 137(2) for kidnapping
- BNS Section 61(2)(a) for criminal conspiracy
- Juvenile Justice Act Sections 81 and 87 for sale and procurement of children
Immediate Care for Rescued Infant and Ongoing Investigation
The rescued newborn has been handed over to the Child Welfare Officer for immediate medical observation and necessary care, ensuring the infant's safety and well-being following the traumatic experience. Police authorities have emphasized that the investigation is actively ongoing to uncover the broader network of this trafficking syndicate and apprehend the absconding middlemen involved in the racket.
This case highlights the persistent challenge of child trafficking across state borders and the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. The Ahmedabad police have demonstrated commendable vigilance in disrupting this interstate operation, though the search continues for other individuals connected to this criminal network.
