Did Karnataka Police Just Uncover a Shocking Child-Lifting Racket in Bagalkot?

Synopsis
A daring police operation in Bagalkot has led to the arrest of four suspects involved in a child-lifting racket. In a shocking turn of events, a one-day-old baby girl was rescued from the clutches of criminals posing as caregivers. This incident raises serious concerns about hospital security and the safety of newborns.
Key Takeaways
- Child-lifting rackets pose serious threats to newborns.
- Community vigilance can aid in preventing such crimes.
- Authorities are investigating possible connections to larger networks.
- Hospital security protocols must be reinforced.
- Law enforcement plays a crucial role in safeguarding children.
Bagalkot (Karnataka), June 14 (NationPress) – In a significant operation, the Karnataka Police have dismantled a child-abduction ring in the Bagalkot district, apprehending four suspects in the process. A one-day-old baby girl has been safely rescued, as reported by the police on Saturday.
The primary suspect has been identified as Sakshi Yadavada, a 24-year-old resident of Khanpete, located near Ramadurga taluk in Bagalkot district. The arrests were executed by the Bagalkot Navanagar police, who are currently pursuing a thorough investigation into this alarming case. Among the arrested are Sakshi's mother and her two sisters.
Officials disclosed that Sakshi gained unauthorized access to the maternity ward of the Bagalkot District Hospital. She falsely claimed to have just given birth and, with the assistance of the other accomplices, abducted a one-day-old infant, misleading the biological mother by stating that the baby was being taken for a procedure to clear phlegm around 4:30 a.m.
When the infant was not returned, the biological mother raised concerns with the hospital staff. The hospital authorities initiated a search and eventually located the baby with Sakshi in a different ward.
Upon verifying the documents, it was confirmed that Sakshi had not given birth. The police were called to the scene, and a team led by DySP Mahantesh Jiddi conducted interrogations. Despite being apprehended, Sakshi continued to assert that the baby was hers, according to police reports.
Dr. Mahesh Koni, the surgeon at the District Hospital, indicated that the hospital will lodge a formal complaint with the police and investigate potential staff negligence.
Bagalkot SP Amarnath Reddy revealed that one of the suspects had masqueraded as a nurse to take the baby from her mother under the guise of medical necessity. “We are compiling all necessary information and have secured the CCTV footage from the hospital,” he stated.
Initial inquiries have indicated that Sakshi had obtained a forged maternity card from a primary health center and had falsified delivery dates. The rescued infant has been reunited with her mother and is under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Authorities are intensively investigating the potential links of the arrested individuals to a broader child-lifting network.