Mon Jun 23 12:18:56 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Salem, India – June 23, 2025 – Six Arrested in Newborn Trafficking Ring in Tamil Nadu**
Salem City Police have dismantled a newborn trafficking ring operating across the Salem and Erode districts of Tamil Nadu, arresting six individuals on Sunday night. The operation uncovered a scheme where newborns were allegedly purchased from vulnerable families and sold to childless couples for substantial profit.
The investigation began after police discovered suspicious photos of newborn infants on the mobile phone of R. Mohanraj (43), who was initially arrested for misappropriating funds from his finance company. Mohanraj and his wife, M. Nagasudha (33), along with four accomplices, are accused of acting as intermediaries in the illegal adoption scheme for the past three years.
Police set a trap, contacting D. Janarthanan (38), a resident of Erode, posing as potential buyers willing to pay ₹4 lakh for a newborn. Janarthanan arrived at the designated location in Mettupatti accompanied by a woman who managed to escape arrest. The arrest of Janarthanan led to the apprehension of Nagasudha, K. Sridevi (43), N. Parveen (42), and M. Padmavathi (46), all residents of Erode district.
The investigation has so far led to the rescue of one infant who had been sold to a couple in Edappadi. Police are currently questioning the couple and the infant’s mother from Erode. Authorities believe the accused purchased newborns for ₹4 lakh and resold them for as much as ₹7 lakh.
Police sources indicate the investigation is ongoing, with authorities planning to take the arrested individuals into custody for further questioning. The aim is to determine the total number of babies trafficked over the past three years and identify any other individuals involved in the trafficking network. The arrested individuals have been remanded to prison.
First Piper 