Fri Mar 14 23:17:00 UTC 2025: **Vijayawada Child Trafficking Ring Busted: Inter-State Operation Netted Five Arrests**
VIJAYAWADA, March 15, 2025 – A major child trafficking ring operating across several Indian states has been dismantled following a police operation in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Five arrests have been made so far, with police pursuing others across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other states.
The Mahila Police of the NTR Police Commissionerate launched an investigation after uncovering the operation on March 1st. The gang, allegedly led by Balagam Sarojini, trafficked infants from Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana, selling them to childless couples in Andhra Pradesh.
Police have confirmed the trafficking of at least seven babies, aged between three days and six months. Three infants have been rescued and are receiving medical care, with one currently undergoing treatment for jaundice at AIIMS, Mangalagiri. Another infant with an infection was admitted to the Old Government General Hospital. Authorities are working to locate the parents of the remaining children.
The investigation revealed that Sarojini, previously released on bail in August 2024, was arrested in Hyderabad. Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu stated that teams will be dispatched to other states to apprehend the remaining suspects. ACP K. Latha Kumari added that couples who purchased six of the babies have been identified and are being investigated. Police suspect that some infants were kidnapped before being sold. The investigation is ongoing.
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