The Lucknow police have uncovered a newborn sale racket that allegedly involved a childless homemaker promising to build a house for a daily wage labourer in exchange for her newborn. This scheme, according to law enforcement, was facilitated through falsified hospital records and an effort to evade legal adoption processes.

The Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Unit and Gudamba Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against multiple individuals, including the child’s biological mother and two doctors associated with St Mary’s Polyclinic. The investigation revealed that the agreement for the transfer of the baby was reportedly made approximately three months prior to the child’s birth.

Aarti Devi, a daily wage labourer from Bahadurpur and mother to three children, allegedly consented to relinquish her fourth child to Renu Sharma, a homemaker residing in Shanti Vihar. During police interrogations, it was alleged that Renu promised to construct a house for Aarti in exchange for custody of the baby.

Details of the Birth and Hospital Admission

The transfer of the newborn took place two days after birth on August 3 at St Mary’s Polyclinic. Police claim that Aarti was admitted to the hospital under Renu Sharma’s identity, which allowed for the creation of forged medical records indicating Renu as the biological mother of the child.

In response to the allegations, the hospital administration stated that Aarti was admitted using a false name and claimed that the authorities were unaware of any fraudulent activity. However, the police have indicated that they are investigating all dimensions of the case thoroughly.

Investigations Underway into Broader Trafficking Networks

Kiran Yadav, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, reported that investigators are examining the hospital’s birth and discharge records, along with digital data and financial transactions related to the case. She noted that DNA fingerprinting tests for the newborn and relevant parties may be conducted if necessary to ascertain biological relationships.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are also probing the possibility that this case may be connected to a larger network involved in organised baby trafficking or the illegal sale of children.

The newborn has since been placed under the guardianship of the Child Welfare Committee and transferred to the Government Children’s Home in Hazratganj, where they will remain while further investigations are conducted. Authorities emphasise the importance of ensuring the child’s welfare during this process.

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