Uttar Pradesh Police dismantled a baby-selling ring in Bijnor district on Tuesday, hauling in six suspects, including the biological parents of a 15-day-old infant. Superintendent of Police K K Bishnoi confirmed the arrests, revealing that the child was traded for Rs 5 lakh. The victims' own family members tipped off authorities, triggering the swift action at Nagina police station.
The case emerged after Tajuddin, the infant's uncle, filed a complaint on September 28. He alleged that his sister Shabnam and her husband Farman had conspired with Shafikan, a resident of the same village, to offload the newborn. Police records show the baby was handed over to Sulochana, wife of Pritam, who paid the hefty sum. The transaction sounds like a kidnapping or ransom, but the investigation points to a grim reality: the family was drowning in debt.
Police recovered the baby, who is now safe. Beyond the parents, Shafikan, Jitendra, and Kapil were also arrested for their roles in the purported transaction. Bishnoi stated that preliminary findings indicate financial hardship drove the parents to this desperate act. The legal machinery has now set into motion, with charges likely to be filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and IPC sections related to trafficking.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising urgent questions about the safety of infants in rural Uttar Pradesh. Police are continuing their probe to ensure no other children were involved in similar schemes. The arrested individuals are currently in custody, awaiting formal charges as the investigation deepens.