A deeply disturbing case of child trafficking has come to light in the Yerawada area of Pune, where a 40-day-old baby girl was illegally sold for around ₹3.5 lakh. Yerawada Police have arrested six individuals in connection with the case, including the infant’s biological parents and others involved in the sale.
According to police reports, the arrested individuals are:
Minal Omkar Sapkal (30) – Mother of the baby
Omkar Audumbar Sapkal (29) – Father of the baby
Sahil Afzal Bagwan (27), Satara – Alleged middleman
Reshma Shankar Pansare (34), Yerawada
Sachin Rama Avatade (44), Sadar
Deepali Vikas Fatangare (32), Sangamner – Alleged buyer of the baby
The investigation revealed that the child’s financially distressed parents sold the baby without following any legal adoption procedure. The buyer, Deepali Fatangare, allegedly paid ₹3.5 lakh for the infant through illicit means. Based on these findings, the police have charged the accused with serious offenses, including criminal conspiracy and human trafficking.
The incident reportedly occurred on the morning of July 2, and the case was formally registered on July 4 under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Senior Inspector Ravindra Shelke of the Yerawada Police Station informed the media that an initial complaint was lodged about a suspected kidnapping. However, a detailed investigation revealed that the baby had not been kidnapped but was, in fact, sold. Following this revelation, police filed a suo moto complaint and proceeded to arrest all involved.
The baby girl has since been rescued and moved to a safe location. Police have assured that a detailed and thorough investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.