DHARAMSALA: In a major breakthrough, the Police District Dehra has busted an organized interstate racket involved in the illegal trafficking and sale of newborn babies under the guise of facilitating adoption. The operation led to the arrest of key accused persons linked to a Punjab-based network engaged in the unlawful sale of infants.
Superintendent of Police, Police District Dehra, Mayank Choudhary, stated that the case originated from a complaint filed by Rohit Rana on February 17, 2026, at Sansarpur Terrace Police Station. The complainant alleged that accused Deepak Anand had cheated him of ₹23, 500 on the false pretext of arranging the adoption of a newborn baby. Acting promptly, police registered FIR No. 13/26 dated 17.02.2026 and initiated an immediate investigation.
During the probe, technical analysis with the assistance of the Cyber Cell traced the location of the accused to Jalandhar, Punjab. A special team of Sansarpur Terrace Police conducted a targeted operation and apprehended Deepak Anand from Jalandhar. He was produced before the competent court and remanded to five days of police custody for further interrogation.
Police investigation revealed that Deepak Anand was working as an agent for a Punjab-based interstate gang involved in the illegal procurement and sale of newborn babies. He allegedly identified and contacted childless couples and connected them with gang members operating from Punjab, who trafficked infants through illegal channels in exchange for money.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a female gang member from Batala, Punjab, who was actively involved in the trafficking network. Another woman, identified as Anita from Jalandhar, has also been detained. Both accused women have been taken into custody and will be produced before the court for further legal proceedings.
In a significant development, police rescued one minor child during the investigation. As per the directions of the Hon’ble Juvenile Justice Board, the rescued infant has been safely handed over to a Special Adoption Agency to ensure proper care, protection, and legal safeguards.
Preliminary findings indicate that the accused were part of an organized interstate network exploiting vulnerable families and bypassing established legal procedures governing adoption. Police teams are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the gang and to dismantle the entire trafficking network.
The successful operation by Sansarpur Terrace Police under Police District Dehra highlights the commitment of Himachal Pradesh Police to protect children, curb human trafficking, and take strict action against illegal adoption and trafficking rackets. Further investigation is underway.