Hyderabad hospitals under scanner in child trafficking case
HYDERABAD: Hospitals and fertility centres in Hyderabad have come under scrutiny after investigators linked them to a child trafficking network led by Murugan alias Bodasu Nagaraju from Telangana.
Based on information from the accused arrested in Gujarat, police conducted inspections at facilities in Banjara Hills, Kukatpally and Secunderabad. Officials questioned staff and collected records from multiple centres.
At a hospital on Road No. 2 in Banjara Hills, authorities issued notices after the management did not cooperate. Gujarat police sought assistance from local police station personnel during the inspection.
IVF centres allegedly used as front for illegal trade
Investigators found that the gang primarily operated through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres. Police suspect that some staff members acted as agents in identifying couples seeking children.
The accused allegedly approached childless couples visiting these centres and offered infants for money. Police said boys and girls were sold for ₹5 lakh to ₹6 lakh.
So far, the gang is suspected to have sold at least 25 children across several states.
Operation to rescue child exposes wider network
The case came to light during an operation by Banaskantha district police in Gujarat to rescue a four-year-old child who had gone missing near a national highway.
Police arrested Bodasu Nagaraju alias Murugan, along with Kasarapu Mallaiah and others including Tirupati, Gangadhar and Madhulatha. The investigation revealed a wider inter-state trafficking network.
Repeat offender turns kingpin
Murugan, 32, was earlier named in a child trafficking case registered in February last year under the Chaitanyapuri police station limits. At that time, police arrested 27 persons.
After his release from jail, he allegedly resumed operations under a new identity and formed a separate network. Investigators said he had earlier worked as a commission agent before emerging as the key organiser.
Murugan is currently in Gujarat police custody and is being questioned.
