Black Market Bust: Newborn Auctioned for Rs 4.5 Lakh Rescued, 4 Apprehended

In Hyderabad, the authorities intervened swiftly to rescue an infant of three months and apprehend four individuals who sought to exchange her for Rs 4.5 lakh to a couple without offspring in the Medchal-Malkajigiri area.

The apprehended individuals, identified as Shobha Rani, Shailaja, Swapna, and Sheikh Salim, now face legal action following a case filed against them at the Medipalli police station. Authorities are currently endeavoring to locate the parents of the infant.

Investigations reveal that Shoba Rani, purportedly, managed a clandestine operation for child trade within her premises in Peerjadiguda Ramakrishna Nagar, in collaboration with Shailaja from Boduppal. Upon receiving intelligence regarding the illicit dealings at the facility, operatives from the Akshara Jyoti Foundation orchestrated an undercover operation. Posing as a childless couple seeking adoption, they engaged with the clinic.

Initially, the clinic professed inability to facilitate the adoption process. However, succumbing to persistent inquiries, they disclosed their rates of Rs 6 lakh for a male child and Rs 4.5 lakh for a female child. Subsequently, a deal was struck between the clinic and the couple, who advanced Rs 10,000.

On the appointed day, the couple visited the clinic, having made the payment, and procured details regarding the infant. However, prior to the exchange scheduled for the following day, the couple alerted the authorities. Consequently, Shobha Rani and Shailja were apprehended while attempting to carry out the transaction. The infant has since been placed in Shishu Vihar, while the two culprits are in custody.

It has come to light that the infant’s biological parents, burdened by financial constraints, relinquished custody due to their circumstances, having already borne three children.

Additionally, Swapna from Uppal Adarshanagar, who assisted in the transaction, and Sheikh Salim, also from the same locality, have been detained for questioning by the authorities.

“The accused have provided conflicting accounts regarding the origins of the infant’s parents. Initially, they claimed the parents hailed from Chengicharla, whereas now they assert they are from Vijayawada. Specialized teams have been mobilized to ascertain the veracity of these claims. Further revelations await thorough investigation,” stated SI Prabhakar Reddy.