Karnataka child trafficking case: Children were sold to couples in US, Kenya
Mysuru: Police investigating the child kidnapping racket have revealed that the accused had sold children to issueless couple based in India and even abroad for prices ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh and some nurses working in four city hospitals were also involved.
After the racket came to light a month ago, the Mysuru District police have so far arrested 11 people and investigations revealed that the racket has been functioning for the past five years.
The police have so far succeeded in tracing and rescuing as many as 16 children, including nine girls.
The children were given to well-off couples, including two NRIs in US and Kenya, three couples from Thrissur in Kerala, nine city-based couples, and others in Bengaluru, Shivammoga and Mangaluru.
Three children, including the one given to US-based software engineer, a couple in Kenya and the other given to owner of a textile showroom in Mysuru are yet to be rescued.
Disclosing details to media persons, SP Ravi D. Chennannanavar said, “As adoption procedures are stringent, there is a long waiting list for. The members of gang have taken advantage of the situation and identified aspirant couple and sold children for Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakh,” he said.
Shockingly, the staff for four nursing homes were involved.
They include Usha, 45, Superintendent at Naseema hospital and Srimathi alias Anusha 40, a fake doctor who were involved in large number of cases, Soumya staff nurse in Cheluvamba hospital, Mohan K.M. 26, staff nurse in KR Hospital, Renuka 41, a OT Nurse and C.J. Francis of Naseema hospital.
Madanlal, 44, a footwear shop owner, was an agent. B. Ashok, 25, S. Mahesh, 29 and C. Venktesh 38 (all drivers), Ravichandra alias Scot Ravi 24, and N Shankar 26, (both electricians) were the other accused.
Police have seized 1 kg 284 grams of gold, half kg silver and four cars. “While one private hospital has already been closed, we have written to District Health officer to take appropriate measures against others,” Chennannanavar said.
The children include a 15-day-old baby and the oldest one is five years of age. The police have been able to track ascertain the parents of seven children through DNA tests, parents of nine others are yet to be traced.
