The Shivajinagar Police, investigating the Govandi child trafficking case, have arrested a total of seven individuals so far, including the prime accused, Mohammad Nabil Rizwan Shaikh alias Sameer (20), a resident of Rafique Nagar and a known repeat offender. Police have busted a racket involving the sale of a six-day-old infant for Rs5.5 lakh on August 6.
Tip-Off from Social Activist Leads to Trap
According to the police, the breakthrough came after social activist Dr. Binu Verghese received a tip-off that Sameer was involved in the illegal sale of newborns. To confirm the information, Dr. Verghese enlisted the help of a Thane-based couple—Mayuri and her husband Lakshminarayan Vannam—who posed as potential buyers.
According to police sources, Sameer initially offered to sell a yet-to-be-born child for Rs4 lakh and demanded Rs50,000 in advance. The couple paid him Rs10,000 and stayed in contact. On August 6, Sameer informed them that a baby boy was immediately available and quoted Rs5.5 lakh for the sale.
Police Arrest Two Women at Lotus Junction
Dr. Verghese promptly alerted the police, who then laid a trap at Lotus Junction. During the operation, police arrested Nazima Aslam Shaikh alias Nasreen,35, and her mother Fatima Mehmoodali Shaikh,72, when they arrived with the newborn.
Infant’s Parentage and Hospital Link
Investigations revealed that the child belonged to a woman named Sumaiya Irfan Khan, Khan, who had delivered the baby on August 1 at S.N. Hospital, Shivajinagar. It later emerged that a nurse from a local hospital involved in handing over the infant to Nasreen and Fatima for sale. Both are believed to be connected to the larger trafficking network.
Larger Trafficking Network Suspected
The police are currently interrogating the arrested all seven accused—including five women—are currently in custody and conducting a thorough investigation into the broader network involved in trafficking newborns. Police suspect that Sameer had plans to sell more infants, and more arrests may follow.
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