Ahmedabad, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Police’s SHE Team has assumed responsibility for the care and protection of a 15-day-old newborn rescued during a significant inter-state child trafficking operation. Officials have confirmed that swift measures have been implemented to ensure the infant's safety and well-being.

This breakthrough comes after a collaborative effort between the city's Crime Branch and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which uncovered a trafficking network operating across various states.

Upon receiving specific intelligence, police intercepted a vehicle near Kotarpur, in proximity to the Ahmedabad airport, which was en route from Himmatnagar. Inside the car, they discovered the newborn. Three suspects -- Roshan Agarwal from Hyderabad, Sumit Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Vandana Panchal from Ahmedabad -- were promptly arrested.

The baby was transferred to a Child Health Officer immediately following the interception to guarantee prompt medical evaluation and protection.

A senior officer from the Crime Branch stated, "The police will now oversee her care. Essential provisions have been supplied, and the child’s health will be meticulously monitored, with ongoing medical and other necessary support in the days ahead."

Investigators have revealed that the suspects allegedly paid Rs 3.60 lakh to obtain the newborn from a trafficker known as Munna alias Yunus in Himmatnagar. The infant was intended to be transported from Ahmedabad to Hyderabad and handed over to an agent named Nagaraj, where she was allegedly meant for sale.

Both Yunus and Nagaraj are currently on the run. Multiple police teams are actively searching for them. “This child is merely 15 days old. We are working to establish the identity of her biological mother and ascertain who facilitated this transaction. Vandana and Roshan have previously faced charges in child trafficking cases in Hyderabad. After securing bail, they allegedly resumed similar activities," said ACP Bharat Patel.

Authorities have indicated that this case reflects the existence of a well-organized trafficking network. “In numerous instances, newborns are sourced from the Sabarkantha and Banaskantha districts,” ACP Patel noted.

He further explained that in this case, Yunus purportedly purchased the child for Rs 60,000, kept the infant for a short period, and then planned her transfer to Hyderabad. “Three distinct teams are currently addressing various aspects of the investigation,” he added. Records indicate that the accused have a history of repeat offenses.