In a major victory against child trafficking, Ahmedabad police thwarted a sinister plot to sell a newborn baby. The Detection of Crime Branch (DCB), acting on a tip from the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), intercepted a suspicious vehicle near the airport and rescued the infant while arresting three key suspects.
The operation unfolded on January 28 when ATS shared critical intelligence with DCB. Under the leadership of Sub-Inspector J.C. Desai, a dedicated team including AHC Kanubhai Bhupatbhai, APC Velaji Hemaji, APC Sureshbhai Laljibhai, and Woman PC Kashmiraben Kantibhai set up a trap near Kotarpur Pumping Station close to the airport.
Spotting a white Maruti Ertiga (GJ-01-MT-2600) heading from Himmatnagar towards Ahmedabad airport, the officers stopped the car. A quick search revealed the newborn inside. The three occupants—Vandana Ben Jigar Bhai Panchal, Roshan alias Sajjan Mahavir Prasad Agrawal, and Sumit Bachhanbhai Yadav—were immediately taken into custody. The driver, Maulik Umia Shankar Dave, is under investigation.
Interrogation revealed the chilling details: the accused had purchased the baby for Rs 3.60 lakh from a person named Munnu near Himmatnagar. Their plan was to hand it over to an agent named Nagaraj in Hyderabad for further trafficking. This exposed an interstate network spanning Gujarat, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Police seized Rs 10,050 in cash, four mobile phones worth around Rs 55,000, and the vehicle used in the crime. Charges have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including 143(4), 137(2), 61(2)(A), and sections 81 and 87 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
The rescued newborn was promptly handed over to child welfare authorities for medical examination and care. Officials believe this is part of a larger syndicate, with ongoing probes to nab fleeing middlemen and dismantle the entire operation.
This successful raid underscores the vigilance of Gujarat Police in combating child trafficking, a heinous crime that demands relentless pursuit. It serves as a stark reminder to society about the shadows lurking in human greed.