A disturbing case of an alleged newborn baby sale in Telangana's Mahbubnagar district in which police have booked two people for selling an infant for Rs. 1 lakh has raised questions about child trafficking and illegal adoption practices.
There was an investigation when local authorities received information about the suspicious transfer of a newborn. Police discovered the infant had been given to another family in exchange for money when the first investigation was conducted. A criminal case was registered and the investigation was launched to determine what happened.
The suspects have been booked under the relevant legal provisions for child trafficking, illegal adoption and other relevant charges, police said. Investigators are investigating whether the suspects came into contact with or were part of a larger child trafficking network in the area.
The newborn has been placed under the care of child welfare authorities. All further decisions in terms of the child’s care and rehabilitation will be taken in line with the Juvenile Justice Act and child protection rules, said officials.
Police are now tracing the financial transaction and identifying all involved in the alleged deal. Investigators are questioning multiple individuals and gathering evidence to determine if similar incidents have happened in Mahbubnagar or nearby districts.
Selling or purchasing a child is a criminal offence in India, they said. They also emphasized legal adoption must be done only in government-approved procedures that take into account the rights and welfare of children.
Child rights advocates have also highlighted the need for greater awareness, stronger monitoring, and better support for financially vulnerable families to prevent such crimes.
Police are urging citizens to report any suspected child trafficking, illegal adoption or exploitation involving minors immediately. “The investigation is progressing and any person who is involved in the criminal activity will be arrested and we will bring him to justice,” they said.
The investigation is ongoing, and there is still no firm proof it is in fact a specific case or a network that connects the smuggling to a wider network, they say.
