Probe into newborn trafficking racket expands to Thodupuzha

The investigation into an alleged newborn trafficking racket has expanded beyond Kottayam district, with the police registering a second FIR in connection with the sale of an infant and widening the probe to Thodupuzha.Official sources said the latest case pertains to a baby born at a private hospital in Thodupuzha in February this year. The case came to light during the investigation into a complaint lodged by a 22-year-old woman from Assam, which led the police to suspect that babies born to two other women had also been sold.Based on the finding, a Zero FIR has been opened and transferred it to the Thodupuzha police. It names Raja, the prime accused in the first case, and four others as the accused. The police suspect that the infant was sold within Kerala. As in the first case, Aneena, a native of Kollam, is alleged to have acted as the intermediary.The investigators said the accused identified pregnant women from other States through social media, targeting those who were unwilling or unable to raise their children. They allegedly established contact with the women online and persuaded them to travel to Kerala.The original complainant, who had separated from her husband following marital discord, had shared a post on Instagram seeking assistance during her pregnancy. The accused allegedly contacted her offering help. However, the police said she was unaware that her baby was allegedly being trafficked. A dispute reportedly arose between the woman, who was then seven months pregnant, and the accused, following which she approached the police.Raja, a native of Tirunelveli, and Arjun, a resident of Vagamon, have been arrested in connection with the case. The police said Arjun’s role in the second case is yet to be established. Published - July 30, 2026 07:01 pm IST