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 Ahmedabad Police : have assumed responsibility for the care and protection of a 15-day-old infant recovered during an investigation into an inter-state child trafficking operation. Officials confirmed that immediate measures were put in place to safeguard the newborn’s health, security, and overall well-being following the rescue.

Infant Placed Under Special Police Care

Following the rescue, the responsibility of caring for the child has been handed to the police department’s SHE Team, a unit trained to handle sensitive cases involving women and children. Authorities stated that the infant is being provided with essential supplies and continuous supervision to ensure proper nutrition, hygiene, and medical attention during this critical period.

Joint Operation Uncovers Trafficking Network

The case came to light after a coordinated operation involving the city’s Crime Branch and the Anti-Terrorism Squad. Acting on precise intelligence inputs, law enforcement agencies identified suspicious activity linked to the illegal movement of a newborn across state borders. The operation ultimately exposed a wider network believed to be operating across multiple regions.

Vehicle Intercepted Near Airport Area

Police intercepted a vehicle near Kotarpur, close to the Ahmedabad airport, while it was en route from Himmatnagar. During the search, officers discovered the newborn inside the car. Three individuals travelling in the vehicle were taken into custody at the scene after preliminary questioning raised serious concerns about the child’s safety and the purpose of the journey.

Accused Identified and Arrested

The arrested individuals were identified as Roshan Agarwal from Hyderabad, Sumit Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Vandana Panchal, a resident of Ahmedabad. Investigators believe the trio was directly involved in transporting the infant as part of an illegal transaction. All three were formally arrested and produced before the appropriate authorities for further legal proceedings.

Immediate Medical Examination Conducted

Soon after the interception, the baby was handed over to a Child Health Officer for a medical examination. Officials confirmed that the infant underwent basic health checks to assess physical condition and ensure there were no immediate medical complications. Doctors reported that the child would remain under observation while longer-term care arrangements are maintained.

Alleged Payment and Planned Transfer

According to investigators, the accused had allegedly paid Rs 3.60 lakh to acquire the newborn from a trafficker operating in Himmatnagar. The infant was reportedly intended to be transported from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad, where an intermediary was expected to take custody of the child for further sale. Police believe the transaction was part of a pre-arranged plan involving multiple handlers.

Search Launched for Absconding Suspects

Two key suspects, identified as Yunus, also known as Munna, and an agent named Nagaraj, are currently absconding. Law enforcement agencies have formed multiple teams to trace their whereabouts. Officers stated that efforts are underway to identify the biological mother of the child and determine how the illegal transfer was facilitated.

Links to Repeat Offenders and Organised Activity

Senior police officials indicated that some of the accused have prior records in similar cases. Investigators also noted that certain districts in north Gujarat have previously emerged as sourcing points in such crimes. The pattern observed in this case suggests a structured and organised operation rather than an isolated incident.

Investigation Continues on Multiple Fronts

Authorities confirmed that separate teams are examining financial transactions, communication records, and regional connections to dismantle the network involved. Officials stressed that the primary focus remains the child’s safety while ensuring that all individuals connected to the trafficking operation are brought to justice through due legal process.