Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 18: Delhi Police have busted an inter-state infant trafficking syndicate involved in the illegal sale and purchase of newborn babies, arresting 12 people and rescuing five infants during a coordinated operation.

According to officials, the arrests were made in Delhi and Rajasthan following an investigation into a network that allegedly procured infants from different states and sold them to prospective parents for lakhs of rupees.

Police said the accused used forged birth-related documents to facilitate the trafficking of newborns and conceal the origins of the children.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that some of the infants were also sold in neighbouring Haryana. Authorities suspect the syndicate had been operating for a considerable period and had established links across multiple states.

Officials involved in the probe said more than 20 babies are believed to have been sold across the Delhi-NCR region so far.

The rescued infants have been placed under appropriate care, while efforts are underway to identify their biological families and trace the full extent of the network.

Investigators are examining the syndicate's modus operandi, including the role of intermediaries, forged documentation and possible connections with hospitals or other institutions.

Police have launched a detailed investigation to uncover the interstate links of the racket and identify additional individuals involved in the trafficking operation.

Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.