Ahmedabad police have successfully thwarted a newborn trafficking attempt in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad city. Acting on intelligence shared by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) managed to rescue an infant and arrest three individuals involved in an interstate trafficking network spanning Gujarat, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
On January 28, the Gujarat ATS informed the DCB Crime Branch about the operation. Following this, a team led by Sub-Inspector J.C. Desai set up a checkpoint near Kotarpur Pumping Station close to the airport. The team included officers such as AHC Kanubhai Bhupatbhai, APC Velaji Hemaji, APC Sureshbhai Laljibhai, and woman PC Kashmiraben Kantibhai.
The police intercepted a white Maruti Ertiga car (registration GJ-01-MT-2600) travelling from Himmatnagar towards Ahmedabad Airport. Upon searching the vehicle, they found a newborn baby inside. The three main suspects—Vandana Ben Jigarbhai Panchal, Roshan alias Sajjan Mahavir Prasad Agrawal, and Sumit Bachchanbhai Yadav—were taken into custody. The driver, Maulik Umiyashankar Dave, is also under investigation.
During interrogation, the accused admitted to purchasing the infant from a person named Munnu near Himmatnagar for Rs 3.60 lakh. They intended to sell the child to an agent named Nagaraj in Hyderabad. Police seized Rs 10,050 in cash, four mobile phones valued at approximately Rs 55,000, and the used vehicle.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The rescued newborn has been handed over to child health officials for immediate medical examination and care.
Authorities state that the trafficking syndicate is extensive and investigations will continue to identify and apprehend the remaining intermediaries involved in this criminal network. This operation underscores the seriousness of child trafficking crimes and highlights the police’s commitment to raising public awareness and taking firm action.
