Thane: Police in Maharashtra’s Thane district have uncovered a suspected child trafficking operation after arresting five individuals allegedly attempting to sell a seven-day-old infant for ₹6 lakh. The arrests were made following a covert operation by the city’s Anti-Human Trafficking Cell earlier this week.
Officials said the arrests took place late Wednesday night near a hotel in Badlapur West after investigators received credible intelligence about an illegal transaction involving a newborn. To verify the information, police deployed an undercover decoy posing as a prospective buyer. Once the deal was confirmed, law enforcement moved in to apprehend the suspects.
According to police, the group accepted ₹20,000 through a digital payment as an advance, while the remaining amount was to be exchanged in cash. The transaction was interrupted before completion, and all five accused were taken into custody at the scene.
Those arrested include a man who allegedly collected the money, a woman suspected of arranging the infant, and three intermediaries operating from different parts of Maharashtra, including Igatpuri and Mumbai. Authorities said another woman believed to be involved in the network remains absconding, and efforts are underway to trace her.
Investigators believe the case may be linked to a broader racket that targets vulnerable families and traffics infants to couples seeking children. Police are now trying to determine the identity of the child’s biological mother and examining whether medical facilities or individuals connected to maternity care may be complicit in such activities.
The rescued baby has been placed under the supervision of a specialised child care institution to ensure safety and medical attention. Officials said further arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe widens to uncover possible links across districts.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law and stated that more details are expected to emerge as questioning of the accused continues.
