While investigating the theft of an 11-month-old boy, Tumakuru police arrest a child trafficking gang that had sold at least nine babies in the past two years

While investigating the theft of an 11-month-old baby, Tumakuru police discovered infant trafficking and arrested a gang of five people, including three nurses, allegedly involved in selling newborn babies to potential customers. The gang is believed to have been active for two years and sold nine toddlers, police said.

On June 9, the accused infiltrated a house and robbed the 11-month-old boy, Raki, while the family was sleeping in another room, near Channabasaveshwara temple in Tumakuru town, according to police .

District Superintendent of Police KV Ashok formed a special team which tracked down Ramakrishna and his associate Hanumantharaju, who worked as daily wage labourers. Based on their information, the police arrested Mubarak, a tamarind merchant from Belluru Cross, and rescued Raki.

According to police, Mubarak had three daughters and wanted a son. He approached the accused through Mahesh, director of a private hospital, and allegedly offered him ₹1.7 lakh. Mahesh, in turn, hired Ramakrishna and Hanumantharaju and allegedly gave them ₹30,000 each after handing over Raki.

Police arrested Mahesh and two other nurses working in private hospitals, identified as Soujanya and Poornima, for allegedly participating in the racket. During his interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to operating over the past two years and selling nine babies to different couples.

Police have now rescued five children, including Raki, who have been reunited with their parents. Three other children were handed over to a Child Welfare Committee adoption center for rehabilitation.

Police are now trying to find the mothers of three babies. Police also found that one of the nine children had died a few months after being placed in the care of a couple, due to complications related to premature birth.

Investigation revealed that the accused preyed on unmarried single mothers at the hospital, who came to terminate unwanted pregnancies. The accused lured them with money and sold their children to couples who wanted them.

The police seized a car, ₹50,000 in cash and four mobile phones from the accused. Further investigation is underway.