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Hyderabad Police Bust Child Trafficking Racket
Hyderabad Police Uncover Child Trafficking Racket
In a major breakthrough, the Hyderabad police have successfully busted a child trafficking racket operating in the city. A joint effort by the Commissioner’s Task Force (South) and the Chandrayangutta police led to the arrest of a ten-member gang involved in the illegal sale of infants. The police also managed to rescue a 15-day-old baby who was being sold to a childless couple. The toddler has since been shifted to Shishu Vihar, a state-run childcare facility, where proper care is being provided.
The Racket’s Modus Operandi
The child trafficking racket in Hyderabad was orchestrated by a group of brokers led by Mehdi Ali, also known as Saleem, a resident of Vattepally. Saleem played a pivotal role in persuading couples to sell their newborns, preying on vulnerable families facing financial difficulties. In this particular case, Saleem convinced a couple, Shaik Ismail and his wife Sultana, to sell their 15-day-old son for Rs 2.5 lakh to a childless couple.
According to the police, Saleem, who has been identified as a major broker, sought the assistance of other intermediaries to find potential buyers for the infant. He instructed these brokers to circulate the baby’s photograph via WhatsApp, making it easier for them to attract interested parties.
Key Arrests in the Operation
The child trafficking racket involved a total of ten individuals, each playing a distinct role in facilitating the illegal sale of infants. Among those arrested were Shaik Ismail, his wife Sultana, and several brokers, including Fathima Rehmath, Syed Imityaz, Nazma Begum, and Feroz Khan, all of whom were involved in finding buyers for the baby. The gang also included two women, Sayeeda Shaik and Sayeeda Begum, who were deeply entrenched in the illegal operation.
After receiving a tip-off, the police launched an undercover investigation and closely monitored the activities of Saleem and his network of brokers. Once the police had gathered enough evidence, they apprehended Saleem, who subsequently led them to the other members of the trafficking ring.
A Detailed Investigation Unveiled
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Task Force, YVS Sudheendra, confirmed the arrests and provided details of the operation. “Saleem was the main broker in this child trafficking racket in Hyderabad. He approached Shaik Ismail and Sultana and persuaded them to sell their 15-day-old boy to a childless couple for Rs 2.5 lakh,” said DCP Sudheendra.
Saleem’s network included several brokers who actively participated in the illegal sale of children. These brokers not only helped him find buyers but also ensured the transaction remained under the radar by using encrypted communication channels like WhatsApp to share photographs of the infant. This method allowed the gang to maintain anonymity while trafficking the child.
The Role of WhatsApp in Child Trafficking
One of the most alarming aspects of the child trafficking racket in Hyderabad is the use of technology, particularly WhatsApp, to facilitate illegal sales. Brokers involved in the racket created a WhatsApp group where they shared photographs of the infants available for sale. This digital approach allowed them to reach a wider network of potential buyers while maintaining discretion.
While technology has made it easier to trace such activities, it has also provided traffickers with new methods to operate without physical contact. This highlights the growing need for law enforcement agencies to monitor online platforms closely to curb illegal activities like child trafficking.
The Crackdown on Child Trafficking
This successful operation is a significant milestone in Hyderabad’s ongoing efforts to combat child trafficking. The child trafficking racket exposed in this case is not an isolated incident, as authorities have noted a rise in such cases, especially in urban areas where childless couples are often targeted by brokers.
The Hyderabad police have emphasized the importance of community vigilance in preventing child trafficking. By encouraging residents to report suspicious activities, the police hope to identify and dismantle similar trafficking networks operating in the region. Public awareness campaigns are also being planned to educate citizens on the dangers of child trafficking and the legal consequences associated with it.
Child Protection and Legal Consequences
Following the successful rescue of the 15-day-old toddler, the infant has been safely transferred to Shishu Vihar, where they are receiving proper care and medical attention. The rescued child will remain under state protection while the police continue their investigation into the child trafficking racket.
The individuals involved in this heinous crime will face serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections related to child trafficking, human exploitation, and conspiracy. These crimes carry severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment, reflecting the gravity of the offense.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official police reports and press releases. Details of the case are subject to ongoing investigation, and the final outcomes may change as the investigation progresses. Please refer to official channels for the most up-to-date information on the case.
