Six More Arrested in Kangra Infant Trafficking Racket, Total Now Nine
In a significant development, the police in the Dehra sub-division of Kangra district have arrested six more persons in a major interstate infant trafficking case. This latest action brings the total number of arrests so far in this disturbing case to nine, including seven women from Punjab. The arrests underscore the extensive nature of the criminal network involved in this illegal activity.
Details of the Newly Arrested Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Neelam Singh (54), Rimpy (38), Jasmail Kaur alias Bholi (60), and Karamjeet Kaur alias Kale (34), all residents of Bathinda in Punjab. Additionally, Kulwinder alias Raju (45) from Jalandhar and Kiran alias Kali (30) from Sirsa in Haryana have been taken into custody. These arrests follow the initial bust last week, where three accused were apprehended: Deepak Anand (40) from Kangra, Maninderjeet Kaur alias Ritu (47) from Batala, and Anita alias Asha (59) from Jalandhar, Punjab.
One additional woman was apprehended in the case but was later released after being served a notice, indicating the ongoing and meticulous nature of the police investigation.
Operation and Investigation Insights
The interstate infant trafficking racket was operated from Punjab under the deceptive guise of facilitating the adoption of newborns, as revealed by a police officer. The case first came to light on February 17 when Rohit Rana, a local resident, filed a formal complaint at the Sansarpur Terrace police station. He reported a fraud of Rs 23,500, which was allegedly committed under the pretext of arranging child adoption.
Following the registration of the case, Dehra police swiftly arrested the prime accused, Deepak Anand, from Jalandhar, Punjab. He was produced before the court and remanded to five days of police custody, allowing authorities to delve deeper into the network. During a detailed investigation, it was established that Deepak Anand acted as the main agent in the illegal buying and selling of newborn babies. He connected interested couples to an organised gang operating from Punjab, highlighting the sophisticated and predatory nature of the operation.
Rescue and Financial Transactions
Based on preliminary investigations, two more accused, Maninderjeet Kaur and Anita, were arrested from Batala and Jalandhar, respectively. Both were remanded to three days of police custody for further questioning. So far, one infant has been safely rescued from this trafficking ring. The investigation has revealed that approximately Rs 4.85 lakh was transacted illegally in connection with the sale of this baby.
In accordance with the orders of the Juvenile Justice Board, the rescued infant has been handed over to a special adoption agency. This agency is now responsible for the child's care, protection, and lawful proceedings, ensuring the infant's safety and well-being amidst this criminal case.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Considering the seriousness of the case and the extensive interstate involvement, further investigation is currently underway. Police officials have emphasized that the case involves complex networks spanning multiple states, necessitating a thorough and coordinated effort to uncover all aspects of the trafficking operation. The arrests and ongoing probe reflect the authorities' commitment to combating such heinous crimes and protecting vulnerable infants from exploitation.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of illegal adoption practices and the need for stringent vigilance and legal measures to prevent such trafficking activities in the future.
