Ludhiana Infant Trafficking Case: A shocking case of alleged infant trafficking has surfaced in Ludhiana, Punjab, where a two-day-old baby girl was reportedly sold for Rs 2.10 lakh. Acting swiftly, the Punjab Police arrested five people, including the newborn’s mother and a BAMS doctor, exposing what appears to be a well-coordinated network of middlemen operating across districts.
The disturbing incident came to light on Sunday afternoon when residents noticed unusual activity at a park on Neela Jhanda Road in Ludhiana. A woman was seen holding a newborn who was crying inconsolably. Her nervous behavior drew attention, and when locals questioned her, she allegedly admitted that she had purchased the baby for Rs 2.10 lakh. Shocked by the confession, bystanders immediately informed the police.
Officers reached the spot and began questioning those present. As the interrogation unfolded, investigators uncovered details of an alleged trafficking chain that had facilitated the transaction of the infant.
According to police, the baby girl was born on February 13 at a private nursing home near Baba Than Singh Chowk in Ludhiana. She was just two days old when the alleged sale took place. The mother, identified as Sunita Devi, already has four daughters. Police said that when she conceived for the fifth time, her husband was reportedly unhappy. Under pressure, she allegedly decided to give away the newborn.
Investigators revealed that Sunita first contacted a nurse known to her. That nurse reached out to another intermediary, who then connected with additional contacts in Moga and Amritsar. Eventually, the information about the newborn allegedly reached a BAMS doctor residing in Punjab Mata Nagar. When the doctor reportedly could not find a direct buyer, she contacted a neighbor, who then approached a woman from Nangal village in Moga district who had earlier expressed interest in adopting a child.
Police said the final buyer agreed to pay Rs 2.10 lakh. Of this amount, Rs 1.5 lakh was allegedly meant for the baby’s mother, while Rs 60,000 was to be retained as commission by those who arranged the deal. The transaction was scheduled to take place in the Ludhiana park on February 15. However, vigilant citizens disrupted the exchange before it could be completed discreetly.
Five accused have been arrested so far, including the newborn’s mother, a BAMS doctor, two nurses, and a caretaker. Police officials stated that the role of the doctor at the nursing home where the baby was delivered is also being examined. If further involvement is established, additional legal action will follow.
Authorities have confirmed that strict charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and child protection laws will be applied. Officials emphasized that legal adoption must be carried out only through authorized agencies and proper court procedures. Any private cash-based arrangement is illegal and punishable by law.
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The case has triggered outrage and concern among residents, as it once again brings attention to the persistent issue of gender bias and illegal child trafficking networks. Thanks to alert citizens, the newborn was rescued before being taken away.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests as they probe deeper into the alleged racket.