Thu May 29 05:00:39 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Baby Selling Ring Busted in Karnataka: Mother and Retired Nurse Arrested**
**Shivamogga, May 29, 2025, 10:30 AM IST** – Police in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, have arrested a mother and a retired nurse in connection with the illegal sale of a newborn baby girl. Ratna, a resident of Haravari village in Koppa taluk, gave birth to the baby on May 22, 2025, at the government hospital in Koppa.
According to authorities, Ratna and her husband, Sadanand, allegedly handed the baby over to Kusuma, a retired nurse and relative of the buyer. The baby was reportedly sold for ₹1 lakh (approximately $1200 USD) to Raghavendra, a resident of Karkala in the Udupi district.
N.R. Pura police, acting on a tip, intervened on May 28th and rescued the infant in collaboration with the Child Welfare Committee. Kusuma and Ratna have been arrested and charged with the sale of a minor. Sadanand was not taken into custody due to unspecified health issues.
The case has been transferred to Koppa police for further investigation, as the alleged crime occurred within their jurisdiction. Authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the baby-selling operation and are seeking to determine if other individuals were involved.
The Hindu will continue to provide updates on this developing story.