Hyderabad: The Medipally police of Rachakonda commissionerate not only tracked and arrested 11 notorious human traffickers of an interstate gang but also rescued 11 babies from their clutches in a meticulous six-day operation. This has unearthed a massive racket whereby children are stolen and sold to childless couples across India.
Police officials disclosed that the interstate human trafficking gang had sold 50 babies to different couples. However, department sources said that over 50 other traffickers from six states were operating in Telangana districts in coordination with those who have been arrested. They have reportedly sold over 80 babies to couples from Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Haryana, AP and Karnataka apart from Telangana.
Based on the confession of the arrested traffickers, police have identified over 40 traffickers with previous criminal history. They have stolen and sold more than 80 babies to childless couples. Each child is sold for prices varying between Rs five lakh and Rs eight lakh, reliable police sources said.
“We have identified the names of several traffickers. This will be a major breakthrough in exposing the gruesome human trafficking in the state, a police official site.
This latest rescue operation was carried out in Narayanpet, Vijayawada and Mahabubnagar districts.
Meanwhile, during a review meeting of the heads of Rachakonda special teams here on Wednesday, additional special teams were formed based on the information provided by the 13 Medipally police personnel.
The new teams, comprising women police officers, have been directed to first rescue other babies tactfully while ensuring that the traffickers do not harm the children held captive by them, sources said.
On May 22 Medipally police along with Arun Jyoti foundation rescued a toddler and arrested Aitka Shoba Rani (46) in Peerzadiguda, which led to the arrest of her associates Chinta Swapna, Raju and Saleem Pasha within a few hours, including from Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Mahabubnagar and Pune. By May 28, police rescued 11 babies, an officer said.
“Very soon our teams, spread in various states, will intensify their efforts and unravel the sensational case. All culprits would be nailed,” he said.
Meanwhile, several parents from districts, whose babies have been missing, gathered at the Medipally police station on Wednesday along with pictures of the children appealing to the police officers to trace their kids. The fortunate ones, whose children were restored to them, demanded stringent action against all traffickers.
